Quantum Center Research Fellowship
The Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme provides funding for PhD students and postdocs hosted by research groups of the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich. The next application deadline is 25 April 2025.
Call for applications and timeline
Opening date: 5 March 2025
Application deadline: 25 April 2025, 23:59 CET
Notification date: 20 June 2025
Applications must be submitted via the ETH online application portal.
The objective of the Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme is to fund PhD students and postdocs hosted by member groups of the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich. It supports innovative and original scientific research that fits well into the context of the host group while fostering the independence of the fellow. In addition, the fellows will be responsible for helping to bring together the PhD and postdoc community in the Quantum Center, for example by organizing technical exchange workshops or social activities.
The Quantum Center is committed to increasing diversity in quantum science, and candidates from under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Furthermore, applications in groups of young PIs and PIs with small group sizes are equally encouraged.
The Quantum Center Research Fellowship is endowed by the Dr. Alfred and Flora Spälti Fonds, the Heidi Ras Foundation, the Alexandra Sprüngli-Gantenbein (d.) and the EHW Foundation.
PhD and postdoc candidates who are supported by a member of the Quantum Center are eligible to apply. Applications have to be made jointly by the candidate and the potential host. Each PI can support only one application in a given call. PIs hosting successful candidates are not eligible to support candidates in the following call.
PhD candidates are expected to have completed or be close to completion of a Master’s degree. They have to meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zurich. Relevant information can be found on the website of the Doctoral Administration of ETH Zurich.
Postdoc candidates must not have been employed at ETH Zurich for more than one year at the time of the application deadline. Applicants with a PhD from ETH Zurich will not be considered.
PhD fellowships
PhD students funded by the Quantum Center Research Fellowship programme are employed according to the regulations of ETH Zurich. In general, the fellowship covers the full salary of a PhD student for three years according to the usual rates at ETH Zurich. In addition, a grant of up to 5'000 CHF per year for consumables may be awarded.
To be accepted as a PhD fellow, the requirements of the Doctoral Administration of ETH Zurich must be met. The fellow will have to register as a graduate student at ETH Zurich and will be awarded a doctoral degree from ETH Zurich upon successful completion of the doctoral thesis. Details regarding the doctorate are according to ETH regulations and committees.
Postdoctoral fellowships
The fellowship covers the salary for one postdoc for up to two years. Postdoctoral fellows will be employed in accordance with the regulations of ETH Zurich, and salaries will be paid according to the ETH standard (100%). In addition, a grant of up to 5'000 CHF per year for consumables may be awarded.
Employment at ETH Zurich
Information on the employment at ETH Zurich and salaries for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers can be found here.
The following documents have to be submitted in a single file in PDF format:
- Motivation letter (to be written by the candidate and not to exceed 1 page)
- Letter of support from the host PI
- Part 1: Research plan. Please use the template "Part 1: Research Plan"
- Part 2: Additional Documents. Please use the template "Part 2: Additional Documents"
- CV of candidate (not to exceed 2 pages)
For postdoc applications, in addition:
- Reference letter(s) from PhD supervisor(s). Please request these letter(s) well in advance. The supervisor will receive a link to submit the reference letter only after you have submitted your application. Reference letters are accepted up to 10 days after the application deadline.
- If applicable: a certification of the planned date of the defence signed by the advisor or department chair if the doctorate has not yet been completed.
For PhD applications, in addition:
- Copies of University degree(s) / transcripts with all grades
Templates
Application
Please submit the documents through the ETH online application portal.
If there are many competitive applications, the selection committee may choose to interview the candidates.
The applications are submitted as files in PDF format via the ETH application portal by following the steps below:
- Step 1: Log in to the authentication system
- Step 2: Start a new application -> New application
- Step 3: Choose a program -> Quantum Center Research Fellowships (Postdocs) or Quantum Center Research Fellowships (PhD)
- Step 4: Upload the required documents
- Step 5: Applicants for a postdoctoral position: please provide the contact information of your PhD supervisor(s) for reference letter(s). Once you have submitted your application, the supervisor will automatically receive a link to upload the reference letter. Reference letters can be submitted until 10 days after the submission deadline.
- Step 6: Submit the application
All applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee consisting of members of the Quantum Center.
Programme Chair and Scientific Lead
Prof. Dr. Yiwen Chu, contact details
Prof. Dr. Tilman Esslinger, contact details
Programme Coordination and Administration
Dr. Francesca Bay