EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-2027

Overview

The EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme, supported in part by the Swiss AI Initiative, gives outstanding early-career researchers the chance to work with a wide range of EPFL faculty on advancing AI techniques and applying them across scientific fields. The programme emphasises excellence and collaboration. Fellows work with several laboratories at EPFL, have considerable freedom to shape their own research agenda, and take part in the community activities and strategic initiatives of the EPFL AI Center.

What you get

The fellowship covers about 50% of the postdoctoral researcher's annual salary under EPFL salary scales, and the host laboratories pay the remainder. Social security follows EPFL Human Resources guidelines. Up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year can be granted for research costs, open research data, open access publication, travel and conferences, and these costs must be justified in a budget and a financial report. Any further expenses are covered by the host professors. Host laboratories provide infrastructure such as office and laboratory space, equipment and administrative support.

Who can apply

Applicants should hold a PhD in computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics or another field relevant to artificial intelligence, obtained no more than two years before the submission deadline. Senior PhD students in their final year may also apply, provided they complete the degree before the fellowship starts. Every applicant needs the support of two EPFL host professors who are faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center, so potential hosts should be contacted and a collaboration agreed before applying. External candidates are given priority, though senior PhD students and junior postdocs already at EPFL are eligible. Candidates are expected to have excellent grade transcripts, since the main criterion is excellence in academic records and professional accomplishments. Only one application may be submitted. All nationalities may apply, there are no age restrictions, and applications from candidates of all genders and backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

How to apply

Applicants should read the application guidelines and the application toolkit carefully. All documents must be written in English and submitted through the online submission platform.

Key dates

The application deadline is 9 November 2026, for the 2026-2027 fellowship round.