Postdoc in Switzerland
Pursuing postdoctoral studies in Switzerland
Postdocs in Switzerland generally require a PhD from a recognised university. © alvarez / iStock
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.
Published: 2023-12-06
By: Gerard Thompson, DACHA Media
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 Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowship
A transitional instrument for researchers of all nationalities planning to apply for the EU's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. - 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
According to the science and research career portal MyScience.ch, gross salaries at universities run between 6,000 and 8,200 Swiss francs a month, depending on the institution, age and experience. In 2022, the Swiss career portal Glassdoor reported annual average postdoc salaries of 87,960, which translates to 7,330 francs a month.
Still, there are some important factors to keep in mind when it comes to salaries in Switzerland. First, there is a significant gender pay gap in the country. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland, women earned on average 19.5 percent less than men in 2020.
There is also less job security in Switzerland. Employment law allows for employers to fire staff as they see fit, as long as it cannot be proved discriminatory. Family leave is also not considered generous by other European standards, with women entitled to 14 weeks of leave paid at 80 percent of their salary but capped at 220 francs per day. Fathers are entitled to two weeks’ paid leave.
Childcare is also expensive. A 2021 report by UNICEF ranked Switzerland in 38th place out of 41 in a comparison of childcare in wealthy countries. The report found that Switzerland has the least affordable childcare for the middle class, with two earners of an average wage needing to spend between a third and half of one salary to cover childcare costs for two children.
Still, there are many positives to working in Switzerland. As noted above, salaries are high and holiday allowance is generous by modern standards. Switzerland is considered to have an excellent work/life balance. While working hours are long, Swiss cities are regularly featured at or near the top of quality-of-life rankings.
There are generous unemployment benefits if you have worked at least one year in the country. Most people, including foreign workers with a valid work permit, are entitled to between 70 and 80 percent of their salary for a maximum of between 400 and 520 days, depending on age and the amount of time they have paid into the unemployment system.
Finally, despite the limited family leave, there are other employee benefits to be reaped such as accident insurance, which also includes sick leave, and is deducted from the worker’s salary. Most larger companies also cover part of their employees' healthcare insurance, although they are not legally required to do so.
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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.
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. In 2023, 32.9 percent of the workforce was comprised of non-Swiss nationals. Of that total, 79 percent were from an EU or EFTA country or from the United Kingdom.
Postdoc programmes are designed to help foster high-potential young researchers and scientists who can demonstrate excellence within an internationally competitive academic arena. Early career achievements are typically a prerequisite.
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.
