Postdoc in Switzerland
Pursuing postdoctoral studies in Switzerland
Switzerland is home some of the world's most sought-after universities, making it a highly attractive place to pursue postdoctoral studies. Positions are also comparably well paid, in line with the high standard of living the country enjoys. This article explores the opportunities available to postdoc candidates in Switzerland.
Updated: 2025-12-09
Postdoc in Switzerland – an overview
There are 12 state-run universities in Switzerland at which postdoc studies can be pursued. They are not, however, the only opportunities available for furthering one’s academic career in Switzerland. Large companies and research centres also offer postdoctoral positions – with a particular emphasis on biotechnology and pharmacology.
Although working conditions vary, postdocs are generally employed full-time. Activities include extensive time for research, but the role may also come with teaching responsibilities, depending on the nature of the funding. Holding lectures, which is sometimes expected at institutions in other countries, is usually reserved at Swiss institutions for professors or lecturers (Assistent/in, maître d'enseignement et recherche).
Requirements for a postdoc position
Those interested in obtaining a position as a postdoc scientist are generally expected to have earned a PhD from a recognised university. In most cases, doctoral titles from universities in developed nations are recognised, but it is always best to check with each institution to determine if all conditions are met and the applicant’s profile matches the position opening.
Postdoctoral researchers are normally hired by universities, research institutions or by a company. There is no set amount of time for the length of a postdoc, but it is usually between one and six years, a period entirely dependent on the field of research and the institution in question. Most universities, though, do have limits for the overall duration of postdoc studies, with the maximum set at six years.
There are frequently some very specific entry requirements, although this varies from one institution to another. The following list of requirements for a postdoc fellowship at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, ETH Zürich), provides some insight:
- Applicants should have completed their doctoral degree within two years of submission or be planning to complete their degree within the next six months.
- They should have at least one scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal or have been awarded a prize for their doctoral thesis.
- They must start the fellowship at the latest eight months after the submission of the application.
- Applicants from outside Switzerland will often need to meet specific English-language requirements to study.
Funding for postdocs
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and, since 2021, it no longer has a direct association with Horizon Europe, the EU's main funding programme for research and development. The country does, however, participate to a limited extent in numerous Horizon Europe programmes, and many of the main postdoc funding initiatives in the country are designed as transitional financing measures to compensate for the lack of direct association with Horizon. They are facilitated by Innosuisse, the Swiss government's innovation agency, and the Swiss National Science Foundation, with funding ensured by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
A select list of postdoc grants available in Switzerland:
- SNSF Starting Grant
The Swiss National Science Foundation's transitional solution for ERC Starting Grants, replaces Eccellenza and PRIMA funding programmes. - SNSF Ambizione
Tailored for young researchers wanting to lead independent projects at institutes of higher education in Switzerland. - SNSF Postdoc.Mobility
Targeted at postdocs seeking a 24-month research stay in Switzerland. - Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Research scholarship for postdocs planning to pursue research or further studies in Switzerland at a postdoctoral level.
The University of Zurich also provides an extensive list of funding opportunities available to postdocs in the country.
Salary for postdocs in Switzerland
The salary of postdoctoral researchers in Switzerland is not standardised, but depends on the institution, professional experience, and specific responsibilities. Broadly speaking, it ranges between 70,000 and 100,000 Swiss francs. At the University of Zurich for example, postdoctoral researchers are generally placed in salary grade 24 or above. The starting salary is approximately 68,000 Swiss francs. At the highly prestigious ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, postdoctoral salaries are significantly higher as the following table shows.
Postdoc salaries in Switzerland (full-time)
| ETH Zurich | EPFL Lausanne | |
|---|---|---|
|
1st year |
CHF 92,500 |
CHF 87,900 |
|
2nd year |
CHF 97,200 |
CHF 89,400 |
|
3rd year |
CHF 101,900 |
CHF 90,900 |
|
from the 4th year onwards |
CHF 101,900 |
CHF 92,400 |
Source: ETH Zurich, EPFL Lausanne ©academics
Career prospects
Switzerland is home to the world's fourth-highest average incomes, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Academic jobs are also highly sought after, particularly for the promising careers they provide to those seeking to stay in Switzerland. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Bundesamt für Statistik, BFS), 68 per cent of the academics assistants and research associates were foreign nationals in 2024.
It is important to bear in mind, however, that candidates from countries within the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) generally receive priority for open positions. Citizens from other countries can only be considered if employers are able to demonstrate that they were unable to find a qualified Swiss or EU candidate. This can make it more difficult for those outside of EU member states to find employment.
The usual amount of working time for a postdoc in Switzerland is 42 hours a week – in line with most workers in the country. Positions also generally come with the legal mandate of four weeks per year, though more generous institutions sometimes grant five weeks.
