Looking for a funded postdoctoral fellowship in Switzerland to advance your career in cyber-defence research, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, privacy, or secure systems? The CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers salary support, research funding, conference funding, and the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research through Switzerland’s prestigious CYD Campus. Jointly offered by EPFL and the Cyber-Defence (CYD) Campus, this highly competitive fellowship welcomes outstanding researchers from around the world. Successful fellows will conduct their research at the CYD Campus in collaboration with a professor at a Swiss higher education institution. Applications for the 14th call close on 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST).
CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Host Institutions | EPFL & CYD Campus |
| Programme | CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Research Level | Postdoctoral |
| Funding | Salary + Research Support + Conference Funding |
| Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Application Deadline | 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST) |
| Stage 2 Deadline | 1 October 2026 (17:00 CEST) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities |
| Application Language | English |
| Application Method | Online |
About the CYD Fellowships (Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship)
The CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship supports innovative research that bridges cyber-defence, cybersecurity, and data science. The programme brings together researchers from Swiss universities and the CYD Campus to develop practical solutions for emerging cyber threats while strengthening Switzerland’s cyber-defence capabilities. Hosted at the CYD Campus, with research activities taking place at its facilities on the EPFL, ETH Zurich, and Thun sites, fellows work in a collaborative research environment that combines academic excellence with real-world applications. The programme evaluates applicants primarily on academic excellence, research quality, and professional achievements.
Opportunity Snapshot
- EPFL jointly administers the CYD Fellowships with the CYD Campus.
- CYD Campus hosts fellows in collaboration with Swiss higher education institutions.
- armasuisse Science and Technology supports the CYD Fellowship programme.
- CYD Fellowships promote research in cybersecurity, cyber-defence, and data science.
Available Research Areas for CYD Fellowship Switzerland
The fellowship welcomes projects across cyber-defence and related disciplines, including:
- Cybersecurity and cyber-defence
- Artificial Intelligence for cyber security
- Data science
- Cyber-physical systems
- Security and privacy technologies
- Digital trust
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Automation of cyber defence
- Security of AI
- Transportation and space system security
- Swiss e-ID security
- Post-quantum security
- Vulnerability identification and patch management
Who Can Apply for EPFL CYD Fellowship?
The CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship welcomes outstanding researchers from all countries who have an excellent academic record and a research proposal aligned with the programme’s cyber-defence priorities. Applicants must also secure the support of a professor from a Swiss higher education institution before submitting their Stage 2 application.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be of any nationality.
- Meet no age restrictions.
- Conduct the fellowship in a laboratory different from where they completed their PhD or current postdoctoral research.
- Obtain endorsement from a professor employed at a Swiss higher education institution.
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic and research record with excellent grade transcripts.
The programme also notes that applicants whose proposed supervisors already supervise an active CYD fellow remain eligible; however, preference may be given to applications involving professors who are not currently supervising another fellow.
How to Apply for the CYD Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
The CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship follows a two-stage selection process. Applicants first submit a research pre-proposal, while shortlisted candidates are invited to prepare a full research proposal with the support of a CYD Campus mentor and a Swiss host professor.
Step 1: Review the Official Guidelines
Carefully read the application guidelines and ensure your research aligns with the CYD Campus priorities before preparing your application.
CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Guidelines
Step 2: Prepare Your Stage 1 Application
Prepare the following documents for EPFL cyber-defence fellowship for international researchers:
- Letter of motivation
- Research pre-proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Two recommendation letters
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete your Stage 1 application by 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST).
Apply Now for EPFL CYD International Postdoctoral Fellowship in Switzerland 2026
Step 4: Attend the Mentor Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be assigned a prospective CYD Campus mentor. You must contact the mentor within 48 hours of receiving the invitation to arrange an interview. Only applicants endorsed by the mentor may proceed to Stage 2.
Step 5: Submit the Stage 2 Proposal
Successful Stage 1 applicants must submit a full research proposal, host institution endorsement letter, salary scale documentation, budget calculator, and ethical issues form by 1 October 2026 (17:00 CEST).
Careers Help Desk Application Tips
The CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship places strong emphasis on scientific excellence, research impact, and collaboration. Your proposal should clearly explain how your research addresses current cyber-defence challenges and contributes to Switzerland’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Since Stage 1 relies on a concise research pre-proposal, focus on presenting a clear research objective, a realistic methodology, and measurable outcomes. In addition, start identifying a suitable Swiss host professor early, as their endorsement becomes essential for the Stage 2 application. Finally, ensure your proposal aligns with the fellowship’s priority research topics to strengthen your competitiveness.
Explore More Global Opportunities
If this opportunity does not match your research interests, you may also consider:
- If you are planning to pursue a PhD in cybersecurity, explore our CYD Doctoral Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland guide.
- If you are looking for broader postdoctoral opportunities in Europe, read our UCLouvain Incoming Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 in Belgium article and 700+ Postdoctoral Fellowships in Europe 2026 | Fully Funded EU Research Jobs (EURAXESS).
- If you want fully funded research opportunities across Switzerland, see our Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application mistakes:
- Waiting until the deadline to contact a potential Swiss host professor.
- Submitting a proposal that does not align with the CYD Campus research priorities.
- Ignoring the official templates, page limits, or formatting requirements.
- Uploading incomplete academic documents or missing recommendation letters.
- Missing the 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST) Stage 1 deadline.
- Failing to arrange the mentor interview within 48 hours after being shortlisted.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive financial support that allows them to focus on high-impact research while collaborating with experts across Switzerland.
The fellowship provides:
- Salary contribution based on the salary scale of the host institution.
- Employer social security contributions according to Swiss regulations.
- Up to CHF 3,000 per year for eligible research expenses, including project-specific equipment.
- Up to CHF 5,000 per year for conference participation and scientific dissemination.
- Access to the collaborative research environment of the CYD Campus and Swiss higher education institutions.
Ready to Apply for Research Career in Europe?
The CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for researchers who want to advance cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, privacy, and cyber-defence research in Switzerland. With competitive salary support, dedicated research and conference funding, and collaboration with leading Swiss institutions, the programme provides an outstanding environment to develop impactful research and expand your international academic career.
If your research aligns with the CYD Campus priorities, begin preparing your proposal early, connect with a suitable Swiss host professor, and submit your Stage 1 application before 19 August 2026 (17:00 CEST). Always consult the official fellowship guidelines for the latest eligibility requirements, application procedures, and programme updates.
Official Source: CYD Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 Call for Applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the CYD Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
Researchers of any nationality may apply. Applicants must obtain the support of a professor at a Swiss higher education institution and conduct their fellowship in a laboratory different from where they completed their doctoral or current postdoctoral research.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides a salary contribution, employer social security contributions, up to CHF 3,000 per year for eligible research costs, and up to CHF 5,000 per year for conference expenses.
When is the application deadline?
The Stage 1 application deadline for the 14th call is 19 August 2026 at 17:00 CEST. Shortlisted applicants must submit their Stage 2 proposal by 1 October 2026 (17:00 CEST).
Do I need a Swiss supervisor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must obtain the endorsement of a professor employed at a Swiss higher education institution before submitting their Stage 2 application.
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