SNSF Postdoc Mobility Fellowship: Global Research Opportunities337 Views

Discover Global Research Opportunities with SNSF Postdoc Mobility Fellowship

The Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship offered by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is a prestigious funding program designed to empower early-career researchers aiming to gain international research experience. This fellowship enables postdoctoral scholars to spend an extended period conducting independent research at a host institution abroad, fostering scientific maturity, independence, and global academic networking. It serves as a vital stepping stone for those aspiring to establish a long-term research career within Switzerland.

According to the Swiss National Science Foundation, this opportunity is tailored to enhance the global outlook of promising researchers and support the development of their academic trajectories.

The SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship is a prestigious funding opportunity provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to support early-career researchers seeking international experience. This fellowship is specifically designed for PhD holders or candidates who are near the completion of their doctorate and are affiliated with Switzerland, either by nationality, residency, or academic experience. The program enables researchers to conduct 12 to 24 months of full-time research at an institution abroad, followed by an optional 3 to 12-month return phase in Switzerland.

Key Deadlines and Timeline for August 2025 Call

The following dates are critical for applicants planning to apply for the August 2025 cycle of the Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship:

• • Submission Deadline: 5 August 2025, by 17:00 (Swiss local time).
  • Earliest Possible Start Date: 1 February 2026.
  • Latest Possible Start Date: 1 January 2027.
  • Platform: All applications must be submitted through the mySNF portal, which opens approximately three months before the deadline.
  • Decision Notification: Applicants will typically receive the funding decision around mid-December 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Doctoral Qualifications

• • Candidates must possess a PhD, MD-PhD, or an equivalent academic qualification (such as an MD). Alternatively, applicants who have not yet defended their thesis may still apply if their defense is scheduled within nine months of the application deadline.

2. Time Since PhD

• • Generally, candidates should have obtained their doctorate within three years of the submission deadline (5 August 2025). This window can be extended for documented career interruptions such as maternity, illness, or caregiving responsibilities.

3. Swiss Connection Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• • Be a Swiss national, or
  • Hold a valid Swiss residence permit (B, C, G, or L), or
  • Be in a legally recognized partnership or marriage with a Swiss citizen, with proof of residency within the six months leading up to the deadline.
  • Alternatively, foreign nationals must have accumulated a minimum of two years of research experience at a Swiss academic institution.

4. Research Mobility

• • The proposed research must take place outside Switzerland and not at the applicant’s alma mater or any institution where they previously earned their degree. However, exceptions may be considered if the new host offers distinct academic advantages or is in a different department within the same city.

5. Funding Exclusivity

• • Applicants cannot receive overlapping funding from other sources during the fellowship period. Additionally, career development grants like Ambizione can only commence after the completion of the Postdoc.Mobility project.

Fellowship Duration and Financial Support

Duration

• • The standard fellowship duration is 24 months, with a minimum of 12 months. A return phase of 3 to 12 months is optional for candidates planning to resume their research in Switzerland.

Financial Coverage

The SNSF provides a comprehensive package that includes:

• • Living Allowance: Adjusted according to the cost of living in the host country.
  • Travel Grant: A fixed sum to support relocation expenses.
  • Research & Conference Funding: Typically up to CHF 24,000 over 24 months, depending on discipline and project demands.
  • Return Grant: Salary and social security contributions for up to 12 months, enabling the fellow to reintegrate into the Swiss academic system.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. 1. Register and Prepare on mySNF

• • Create or update your mySNF account well in advance.
  • Begin collecting required documents at least four weeks before the deadline.

1. 2. Core Application Documents

• • Research Plan: Maximum of 8 pages, including the research objectives, methodology, interdisciplinary relevance, and work schedule. Must adhere to formatting guidelines (max. 30,000 characters, 10pt font, 1.5 line spacing).
  • Mobility Statement: Clearly explain the choice of host institution and how the stay abroad will foster scientific independence.
  • Curriculum Vitae: Use the SNSF template with ORCID ID, list of publications, and academic age.
  • Host Institution Confirmation: A formal letter on official letterhead confirming the institution’s commitment to host the applicant, with a summary of available infrastructure and potential funding gaps.
  • Supervisor’s Letter of Support: The host mentor must outline their supervisory role, plans for career development support, and how the project aligns with the host lab’s objectives.

1. 3. Additional Documentation

• • Degree certificates.
  • Residence permit or marital documentation (if applicable).
  • Ethical clearances or approval letters if the project involves sensitive research areas.

Evaluation Process and Selection Criteria

Applications undergo peer review and do not require an interview. Evaluation is based on a combination of factors, assessed by SNSF’s disciplinary panels:

Key Assessment Areas

• • Scientific Merit: Innovation, significance, and clarity of the proposed project.
  • Mobility Justification: The added value of conducting the research abroad.
  • Institutional Fit: Capacity of the host institution and supervisor to support the project.
  • Career Impact: Potential for the fellowship to contribute to the applicant’s long-term academic goals.
  • Project Feasibility: Resources, timeline, and contingency planning.

Tips for a Competitive Proposal

1. 1. Engage with Hosts Early: Begin communication with prospective mentors at least three months in advance. Strong relationships reflect in detailed support letters.
   2. Strategic Justification: Use the mobility statement to highlight the need for specific expertise, tools, or networks only available at the host institution.
   3. Detail Matters: Ensure a realistic work plan and research timeline. Include key milestones and expected outcomes.
   4. Address Gaps Transparently: Clearly mention any non-linear paths, such as career breaks or transitions, to strengthen your case.
   5. Avoid Last-Minute Rush: The mySNF platform may face high traffic near deadlines. Submit well in advance to avoid technical disruptions.
   6. Revise if Reapplying: If re-submitting, significantly improve the proposal. No rebuttal letter is required but content updates are expected.

Additional Resources and Support

The SNSF provides multiple forms of applicant assistance:

• • Information Sessions: Webinars and briefings such as the May 12, 2025 session. Look out for updates or recordings on the SNSF website.
  • Workshops: Swiss universities, including EPFL, ETH Zurich, and USI, often organize writing workshops and internal reviews.
  • Direct Contact: For any queries regarding eligibility or documentation, reach out to [email protected].

Next Steps: Action Plan for Applicants

1. 1. Save the Date: Mark 5 August 2025, 17:00 CEST, as the submission deadline.
   2. Validate Eligibility: Ensure compliance with degree, residency, and research experience requirements.
   3. Select Host Institutions: Secure early agreement and mentorship from potential hosts.
   4. Draft Core Documents: Allocate sufficient time for writing, peer feedback, and revisions.
   5. Submit via mySNF: Complete the process by the third week of July to prevent last-minute complications.
   6. Seek Peer Review: Share your application with mentors or institutional grant offices for feedback.

Conclusion

The SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship presents a significant opportunity for emerging researchers with a Swiss academic background or connection to develop globally relevant skills. With generous funding, international exposure, and structured career support, it serves as a foundation for reintegration into the Swiss research environment.

Applicants who approach the process early, methodically, and with a compelling scientific proposal are well-positioned for success.

Quick Summary Table: SNSF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship

For official program details and submission guidelines, visit the SNSF Postdoc.Mobility page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)