Applications are now open for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026, presenting an exceptional opportunity for researchers and engineers ready to return to scientific careers after taking time away for personal circumstances.
This fully funded fellowship program at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland, specifically supports talented professionals who stepped away from their careers due to family responsibilities, health challenges, or caregiving duties.
The fellowship represents more than just a job opportunity it’s a carefully designed pathway back into cutting-edge scientific research.
CERN, home to the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and birthplace of the World Wide Web, offers returning scientists the chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries while rebuilding their professional momentum.
CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 Details
- Host Institution: CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Program Duration: Up to 36 months
- Funding Status: Completely funded
- Application Deadline: September 7th, 2025
- Expected Start Date: January 1st, 2026
Understanding the Career Break Fellowship Program
This initiative addresses a significant challenge in scientific careers: the difficulty of returning to research after extended breaks. Many talented scientists, particularly women, face obstacles when trying to re-enter their fields after periods dedicated to family care, health recovery, or other personal priorities.
The fellowship operates differently from traditional academic positions or standard employment. Participants can either join existing research projects within CERN’s various departments or propose independent research aligned with the organization’s scientific objectives.
This flexibility allows returning scientists to leverage their previous experience while adapting to current technological advances and research methodologies.
The program explicitly targets individuals whose career interruptions were due to personal circumstances rather than unemployment or voluntary career changes to unrelated fields.
This distinction ensures resources reach those who need specific support for career re-entry rather than general job seekers.
Financial Support Package
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support including:
- Monthly Stipend: 6,287 to 6,911 Swiss Francs (tax-free)
- Contract Duration: 24 months (extendable to 36 months)
- Health Insurance: Full coverage for fellows and families
- CERN Pension Fund: Membership included
- Installation Grant: Relocation support
- Family Allowances: For eligible dependents
- Travel Expenses: Covered at start and end of contract
- Training Access: On-the-job training, courses, and language classes
- Annual Leave: 30 days paid vacation
Also Check: OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded
Eligibility Requirements and Qualifications
Career Break Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate they’ve been away from their professional careers for personal reasons for at least two years. Acceptable reasons include family caregiving responsibilities, health issues requiring extended time away, or other significant personal circumstances that necessitated career interruption.
Educational and Experience Criteria
The program welcomes applications from two distinct candidate profiles:
Experienced Graduate Track: Applicants from CERN member or associate member states need either a Master’s degree with 2-6 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with up to three years of post-doctoral experience.
Research Fellowship Track: For those interested in experimental or theoretical physics research, a PhD is required along with a maximum of six years of post-doctoral research experience.
Nationality and Membership Considerations
While the program welcomes international applications, specific requirements apply to candidates from CERN member and associate member states. Current CERN staff members cannot apply, ensuring the program serves its intended purpose of bringing external talent back into scientific careers.
Individuals already registered as CERN Users may need to explain how their current status relates to their fellowship application, ensuring transparency in the selection process.
Application Requirements and Documentation
The application process requires three essential documents:
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
- Academic Qualification Certificate (scanned PDF)
Fellowship Start Date
The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is 1st January 2026.
How to Apply for CERN Post Career Break Fellowship?
Submit an online application. If you are interested, please visit the official website link below.
