EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027 (Fully Funded AI Research Fellowship in Switzerland)

Applications are now open for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027, a prestigious fully funded programme that supports exceptional early-career researchers pursuing interdisciplinary artificial intelligence (AI) research. Hosted by the EPFL AI Center and supported through the Swiss AI Initiative, the fellowship enables postdoctoral researchers to collaborate with leading scientists across multiple disciplines while developing innovative AI-driven research projects with real-world impact.

The programme is designed for researchers who wish to apply cutting-edge AI methods to scientific, engineering, medical, environmental, and societal challenges. Rather than working within a single laboratory, fellows develop an interdisciplinary research agenda in collaboration with at least two EPFL laboratories led by AI Center faculty members. This collaborative model encourages knowledge exchange across disciplines while giving fellows significant independence to shape their own research direction.

EPFL is internationally recognized as one of Europe's leading science and technology universities, offering researchers access to world-class laboratories, advanced computing infrastructure, and a vibrant international academic community. Through this fellowship, participants become part of EPFL's growing AI ecosystem and contribute to strategic initiatives advancing open, trustworthy, and impactful artificial intelligence.

About the Fellowship

The EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme aims to nurture future leaders in interdisciplinary AI research by supporting independent, curiosity-driven projects that bridge artificial intelligence with other scientific fields.

Each fellow works with multiple research groups across EPFL, enabling collaboration between AI specialists and experts in application domains such as robotics, life sciences, climate science, engineering, digital health, and computational sciences. Fellows enjoy considerable academic freedom while contributing to collaborative research, seminars, workshops, and strategic initiatives organized by the EPFL AI Center.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A fully funded postdoctoral position at EPFL.
• Competitive salary for up to two years.
• A research allowance of CHF 5,000 per year to support research activities and conference travel.
• Access to EPFL's world-class laboratories and AI research infrastructure.
• Collaboration with at least two EPFL AI Center laboratories.
• Opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary AI research projects.
• Access to seminars, workshops, and networking events.
• Professional development and mentorship from internationally recognized researchers.
• Opportunities to contribute to the Swiss AI Initiative and the broader AI research community.

Research Areas

The fellowship welcomes proposals that integrate artificial intelligence with a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Artificial Intelligence.
• Machine Learning.
• Deep Learning.
• Robotics.
• Computer Vision.
• Natural Language Processing.
• Data Science.
• Computational Biology.
• Biomedical Engineering.
• Digital Health.
• Climate Science.
• Environmental Sustainability.
• Materials Science.
• Physics.
• Chemistry.
• Engineering.
• Mathematics.
• Social Sciences using AI methodologies.
• Other interdisciplinary research areas where AI can drive scientific discovery.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins.
• Have obtained their PhD within the previous two years, or be in the final stages of doctoral studies.
• Demonstrate an outstanding academic and research record.
• Propose an interdisciplinary AI research project.
• Secure the support of at least two EPFL AI Center faculty members willing to supervise the proposed research.
• Demonstrate strong potential for an independent research career.

Required Application Documents

Applicants will generally need to prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research proposal using the official programme template.
• Publication list.
• Cover letter or motivation statement.
• Letters or confirmations of support from participating EPFL faculty members.
• Academic transcripts or PhD certificate where applicable.
• Contact details for referees.
• Additional documents requested in the official application guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic achievements.
• Quality and originality of the proposed research.
• Scientific impact and innovation.
• Interdisciplinary nature of the project.
• Applicant's research potential.
• Publication record.
• Strength of collaboration between participating EPFL laboratories.
• Alignment with the mission of the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative.

The fellowship is highly competitive, with successful applicants demonstrating exceptional scientific promise and a clear vision for advancing AI-enabled research.

How to Apply

To apply for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027:

1. Review the official fellowship guidelines on the EPFL AI Center website.
2. Identify at least two EPFL AI Center faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.
3. Contact potential supervisors to discuss your proposed interdisciplinary research project.
4. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents using the official templates.
5. Complete the online application through the EPFL submission platform.
6. Submit all required documents before November 3, 2026 (17:00 CET).

Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors well before the deadline, as strong faculty support is an essential component of a competitive application.