CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026

Are you a scientist or engineer looking to return to research after a career break? The CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland could be the perfect opportunity to restart your journey in science. Designed for talented professionals who have taken time off for personal reasons, this fellowship offers a supportive pathway back into world-class research at one of the most prestigious scientific organizations on the planet.

About CERN

CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, located in Geneva, Switzerland. Known for groundbreaking discoveries like the Higgs boson and for hosting the famous Large Hadron Collider (LHC), CERN brings together scientists and engineers from around the globe to push the boundaries of human knowledge.

Through initiatives like the Post-Career Break Fellowship, CERN also emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, encouraging talented individuals to re-enter science after time away.

Check: Helsinki Security Forum 2025 Youth Delegate Program

Fellowship Details

What is the CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship?

The Post-Career Break Fellowship is a special program for scientists and engineers who have taken a career break of at least two years for personal reasons such as family commitments, health, or caregiving.

It is not intended for people who were simply unemployed or changing careers. Instead, it supports those who have paused their scientific careers and now wish to return.

The fellowship is open in two main categories:

• Graduate Fellowship – for MSc holders with 2–6 years of professional experience.
• Research Fellowship – for PhD holders with up to 6 years of post-PhD experience in fields such as physics, engineering, or computing.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have taken a career break of at least 2 years.
• Candidates must hold either a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field.
• Applications are open to all nationalities, including Pakistanis.
• Applicants must not be current CERN staff members.

Good News for Pakistanis: Pakistan is an Associate Member State of CERN, so Pakistani nationals are fully eligible to apply for this fellowship.

Application Deadline

Kindly submit your application by September 7, 2025. Don't miss out on this fantastic chance! Apply Now. For latest updates visit News and Scholarships.