The
NOMIS Foundation-ETH Fellowship Programme supports postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich within the
Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL). The programme is intended to foster the development of young interdisciplinary researchers in the field of the origin and prevalence of life who have demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers, and to enable the conditions necessary to conduct interdisciplinary, fundamental and high-risk research with some level of independence and autonomy.
Project backgroundThe
Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life at
ETH Zurich is an innovative collaboration between several departments to comprehensively address the big questions of life's origins and ubiquity. The Centre includes a dedicated gathering place to meet up and hold scientific discussions in a casual environment, hot desks and temporary office space for students and faculty located at nearby campuses as well as for visiting scientists.
The purpose of the
Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Lifeis to establish and promote new forms of scientific collaborations that transcend existing disciplinary boundaries to exploit opportunity and synergies, linking planetary context with chemical forms and functions of life. For that purpose, the Centre is deploying a programme including state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research projects, the development of exceptional talents, recruitment of world-class professors, an extensive scientific network, and an interdisciplinary curriculum about the origin and prevalence of life .
The
NOMIS Foundation supports and enables insight-driven science across all disciplines, focusing on researchers who put forth bold new ideas, exhibit a pioneering spirit and seek to inspire the world around them. The foundation's vision is to "create a spark" in the world of science by enabling pioneering research in the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities that benefit humankind and our planet.
The foundation serves as a catalyst for scientific and human progress by supporting interdisciplinary research, establishing collaborative research networks and developing strategic partnerships. In addition to providing financial support, the NOMIS Foundation endeavours to develop and strengthen the conditions conducive to the pursuit of high-risk basic research.
Job descriptionOnce appointed,
NOMIS-ETH Fellows become an integral part of and have direct access to an international network of leading interdisciplinary researchers and institutions through the NOMIS collaborative research network and the
Origins Federation .
The NOMIS-ETH Fellows are expected to actively participate in the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life by attending events therein. NOMIS-ETH Fellows are actively involved in NOMIS events and activities (as their schedule permits) and establish independent research ties with other members of the network and beyond.
NOMIS-ETH Fellows are also expected to be given the opportunity to take part in the teaching activities of their host groups, to a certain extent. The proposed teaching duties and an estimate of the average load must be specified in the application.
The duration of a NOMIS-ETH Fellowship is three years plus one extension year and cannot be prolonged. The fourth year is granted only following a review 18 months after the start of the fellowship and must be funded by the host professor(s). The fellowship is competitive with a limited number of fellowships available each year. For a start in
2026, up to
three new
NOMIS-ETH Fellows will be selected.
ProfileApplications within three years of obtaining a doctorate will be considered. In duly justified cases, applications falling outside this criterium may also be considered. Preferably, you already will have acquired your first postdoctoral experience and/or interdisciplinary training. You must have an existing affiliation to an academic/research institution.
Following the initial evaluation round, you must be available for a remote interview.
In each evaluation round, a professor may only submit one candidate as host. A potential host may be co-host of another candidate for the same evaluation round. At least one of the host or co-host professors (mentors) must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed fellowship. The hosts and co-hosts shall be members of the Centre; see the
COPL website for affiliated professors. The host or co-host must commit to providing the allowance and any additional support required beyond the fellowship allowance to carry out the research project as well as resources for the fourth year, provided the candidate successfully passes the review process.
It is not possible to resubmit an application for a NOMIS-ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship following a rejection in a previous call for applications.
Applications not complying with the eligibility criteria will be rejected on formal grounds.
We offer - Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
- You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits
> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
