Applications are now open for the CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026. It is a Fully Funded Fellowship at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland. The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 is for individuals who have taken a break from their careers for personal reasons and now wish to return to the fields of science and engineering.
This is an excellent employment opportunity, offering a contract for up to 36 months. Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend, a health insurance scheme that covers their family, an installation grant, as well as allowances for family, children, and infants. Travel expenses will also be paid. More details about the fellowship are below.
Details About CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Location: CERN, Geneva
- Duration of Fellowship: 36 Months
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 7th September 2025
Key Features of the CERN Post Break Career Fellowship
The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship Programme offers a full-time or part-time position for science and engineering graduates who have been on a career break and are looking to re-enter the workforce.
Please note that this is a temporary fellowship, not a full-time or permanent job. As a Post-Career Break Fellow, you have the option to join an existing research project at CERN or propose your own.
This program is specifically designed for those who took a break for personal reasons, such as family or caring responsibilities, or health issues. It is not intended for individuals who have been unemployed or who are seeking a career change to a different field from their studies.
Financial Benefits
The Program Covers:
- Contract: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months.
- Salary: A tax-free monthly stipend between 6,287 and 6,911 Swiss Francs.
- Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family.
- Membership in the CERN Pension Fund.
- An installation grant and family/child allowances (if eligible).
- Travel expenses at the start and end of the contract.
- Training: Access to on-the-job training, formal courses, and language classes (English/French).
- Leave: 30 days of paid leave per year.
Eligibility Criteria
You must satisfy the eligibility criteria below to be eligible for the program:
- You have been on a career break for personal reasons, like family issues, health problems, or caring responsibilities, for at least two years.
- You have an Experienced Graduate profile.
- Applicants who are Nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States must have an MSc degree and between 2 and 6 years of experience, or a PhD with up to three years of relevant experience.
- To apply to experimental or theoretical physics, you need a “Research Fellowship” profile, including a PhD and a maximum of six years of post-PhD experience.
- Candidates who are registered as CERN Users may be required to explain how their status aligns with their application.
- CERN Staff members are ineligible to apply.
Required Documents
- A CV
- A cover letter that describes your experience and career break, and how your research interests and skills relate to CERN’s diverse activities.
- A scanned PDF of your most recent relevant qualification.
Fellowship Start Date
The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is 1st January 2026.
Application Process
Submit an online application. If you are interested, please visit the official website link below.
APPLY FOR THE CERN POST-CAREER BREAK FELLOWSHIP