EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026/27

Applications are open for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships. This is the programme’s third call. It supports outstanding young researchers advancing AI across scientific domains. Fellows collaborate with at least two EPFL laboratories.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: EPFL AI Center, with the Swiss AI Initiative
• Funding: About 50% of the postdoc salary, plus up to CHF 5,000 yearly for research costs
• Location: EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
• Eligibility: PhD holders in AI-relevant fields, within two years of the deadline
• Nationality: Open to all
• Application Deadline: November 9, 2026, 17:00 CET

Focus Areas

• Advancing AI capabilities and applications
• Interdisciplinary AI research across scientific fields
• Ethical AI, including bias, privacy, and fairness
• Collaboration within the EPFL AI Center community

About the Fellowship

The programme focuses on excellence and collaborative research. Fellows work with several EPFL laboratories. They also have ample freedom to develop their own research agenda. Fellows join community activities and strategic initiatives at the AI Center. The programme aims to prepare the next generation of AI leaders.

What Fellows Receive

The fellowship covers about half of the postdoc’s annual salary. EPFL salary scales apply. The host laboratories pay the remaining salary. Fellows may receive up to CHF 5,000 per year for research, publishing, travel, and conferences. Host labs provide office space, equipment, and administrative support.

Who Can Apply

Applicants need a PhD in computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field. The PhD must be no more than two years old. Final-year PhD students may also apply. Applicants need support from two EPFL host professors affiliated with the AI Center. Priority goes to external candidates. Only one application is allowed.

Required Materials

Applicants should agree a collaboration with potential hosts before applying. They submit all documents in English on EPFL’s online platform. Strong grade transcripts are expected. The application toolkit and guidelines are on EPFL’s page.

How to Apply

Submit your application before November 9, 2026, 17:00 CET.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers AI researchers a strong collaborative setting in Lausanne. The two-host requirement means applicants must plan early. Competition is high, so applicants need excellent records. Review the full guidelines through EPFL’s official page.

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