NOMIS Foundation ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship
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 theorigin 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.
The 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, NOMIS endeavours to develop and strengthen the conditions conducive to the pursuit of high-risk basic research.
Once 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.
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 2025, up to three new NOMIS–ETH Fellows will be selected.
Applications 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.
A professor may only submit one candidate in each evaluation round. At least one of the host professors (mentors) must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed fellowship. The hosts shall be members of the Centre; see the COPL website for affiliated professors. One of the hosts 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.
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