Eligibility

The ideal applicant has the competencies to design a surprisingly novel and scientifically rigorous research project which blazes new trails, profiting from the freedom uniquely offered by the fellowship.

You are eligible for the 2016 campaign if:

You officially hold a PhD on January 15, 2015

Your project departs from the mainstream of research in your discipline

You have a record of outstanding scientific achievement

You demonstrate in the proposal a willingness to engage in a dialogue on relevant social, cultural, political or economic issues across the frontiers of your particular discipline

Your application will not be forwarded for evaluation if:

You have not officially completed a PhD by January 15, 2016

Your PhD was awarded more than five years ago, as of January 15, 2016

You already hold or have held a faculty or faculty-equivalent position (e.g. assistant professor, lecturer)

You were born before January 1, 1982

Duration

The five year fellowship is awarded in two installments.

1. The pioneer phase – the first two years of research

2. The exploitation phase – the remaining three years

At the end of the pioneer phase a review is conducted. This evaluates the project, its continued originality and the productivity of the fellow. The review is conducted in accordance with a list of requirements, communicated to fellows at the start of their research undertaking.

Funding

Support for up to five years as well as the opportunity to work at any academic institution of their choice throughout the world.

The fellows belong to a diverse, dedicated and intellectually stimulating group.

They meet at least once a year to present and discuss their research projects to scientific and public audiences.

The amount granted is CHF 100'000/year. It may be used to cover all legitimate cost of research (i.e. salary and/or equipment, travel cost, consumables, personnel etc.).

How to apply

In order to complete the online application form (https://www.registration.ethz.ch/sis/)  you will need to have the following material:

Letter of motivation including a statement explaining why your research differs from the mainstream
(max. 1 page)

Research experience (max. 500 characters)

Your CV (max. 4 pages)

References of your three best publications

Digital copies of your three best publications

Contact details of two references

Statement positioning your proposed research project within your discipline (max. 500 characters)

Your proposed research project (max. 4 pages including references)

Please note that letters of support, timelines and budgets do not have to be submitted upon application.

In preparing the description of your intended research you may wish to give emphasis to the idea or concept forming the heart of the work, the methods to be used for its implementation, and the potential impact of the outcome both for your own subject and for other disciplines. You should seek to present links between society and science that you wish to explore and promote.

All documents must be submitted as PDF files.

Contact Person

In case of interest, please contact not later than January 8th, 2016 with FSJD Research's Department