cern.ch

Overview


Practical info

This page lists fellowship opportunities that LHCb collaborators may apply to. The list is split by country/region and details of eligibility criteria, career stage, and rough timelines are shown. Please note that timelines and eligibility criteria are estimates based on former cycles, and interested applicants should check for specific details, such as the deadline for application, on other webpages. Please also note that most fellowships have long timelines and there can be a sizable delay from application to the final decision.

When applying for these fellowships, you should have ideas to propose your own project and you should discuss this with potential hosts. A (non-exhaustive) list of LHCb groups and their public pages can be found from the Outreach webpages (https://lhcb-outreach.web.cern.ch/collaboration/). You should consider how your experience and scientific output align with the research proposal, and how your proposed research fits in with the activities of the groups you are considering. A typical proposal will take 3-4 weeks to prepare, so you should plan accordingly.

This page may be incomplete and may become out of date. If you notice outdated information or you would like to suggest a fellowship that you think should be included, please contact the ECGD office: lhcb.ecgd@cern.ch.



EU

Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships (European & Global)

Details
Who is it for: Researchers holding a PhD (up to 8 years post-PhD); open to all nationalities (Global fellowships limited to EU nationals or long-term residents); mobility rules apply
Where: Host organisations in Europe or worldwide (depending on fellowship type)
Typical length: Up to 24 months (European PF); up to 36 months (Global PF, incl. return phase)
Funding for group members: No
Application periods: One call per year; deadline typically in September
Feedback period: Mid-February
Interviews: No
Former holders:
Link: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships


France

A summary page of what a postdoc in France entails can be found here: [link].

Eiffel Fellowship Program

Details
Who is it for: Foreign students applying for Master’s or PhD studies in France
Where: France
Typical length: 12–36 months (depending on level of study)
Funding for group members: No (individual fellowship only)
Application periods: One call per year, deadline typically in January
Feedback period: End of March – beginning of April
Interviews: No (TBC)
Former holders:
Link: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/france-excellence-eiffel-scholarship-program

ADI Paris-Saclay (Cotutelle PhD)

Details
Who is it for: Doctoral students aiming for a cotutelle PhD between France and another country
Where: Université Paris-Saclay (LHCb groups: Saclay & Orsay)
Typical length: 36 months (50% funding from Paris-Saclay)
Funding for group members: No (individual PhD funding only)
Application periods: Thesis topic online by mid/end February; application deadline early April
Feedback period: Mid/end of June
Interviews: Yes (doctoral school interview in May/June)
Former holders:
Link: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/actions-doctorales-internationales-cotutelle-de-luniversite-paris-saclay

STAR-Φ (Star Phi) Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Postdoctoral researchers
Where: Université Paris-Saclay (LHCb groups: Saclay & Orsay)
Typical length: 2 years
Funding for group members: No (individual postdoc fellowship only)
Application periods: April/May
Feedback period: Beginning of the year after (start no later than October year after)
Interviews: Yes
Former holders:
Link: https://www.cofund-physics.universite-paris-saclay.fr/


Germany

Emmy Noether Programme

Details
Who is it for: Exceptionally qualified early career researchers, typically up to 4 years post-PhD with substantial international experience. Contracts as postdocs and junior professors with temporary contracts are awarded.
Where: German universities
Typical length: 6 years
Funding for group members: Yes
Application periods: No deadline; applications accepted at any time
Feedback period: Approx. 8 months
Interviews: Yes
Former holders:
Link: https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/emmy-noether

Humboldt Research Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: International researchers (non-German): postdocs (up to 4 years post-PhD) or experienced researchers (up to 12 years post-PhD)
Where: Any German university or research institution
Typical length: 6–24 months research stay in Germany (up to 18 months for experienced researchers)
Funding for group members: No (individual fellowship only)
Application periods: No deadline; selection rounds in March, July, and November (apply 5–6 months in advance)
Feedback period: Typically 4–8 months
Interviews: No
Former holders:
Link: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship

Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship (Outgoing)

Details
Who is it for: Researchers from Germany (citizens or academically employed in Germany) planning research abroad; postdocs or experienced researchers
Where: Abroad with a host who is part of the Humboldt Network: any scientists or scholars who have been sponsored by the Humboldt Foundation; any hosts who have already supervised scientists or scholars who were sponsored by the Humboldt Foundation; any (former) members of a Humboldt Foundation selection committee; any participants in the Frontiers of Research Symposia organised by the Humboldt Foundation
Typical length: Up to 24 months (up to 18 months for experienced researchers)
Funding for group members: No (individual fellowship only)
Application periods: No deadline; selection rounds in February, June, and October
Feedback period: Typically 4–7 months
Interviews: No (TBC)
Former holders:
Link: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/feodor-lynen-research-fellowship

Walter Benjamin Programme

Details
Who is it for: Early-career postdoctoral researchers aiming for independent; change of host institution usually required
Where: Research institutions in Germany or abroad (need to be integrated in the German academic system if applying abroad)
Typical length: Up to 24 months (up to 18 months for experienced researchers)
Funding for group members: No
Application periods: No deadline; applications accepted at any time
Feedback period: Typically 6–7 months
Interviews: No (TBC)
Former holders:
Link: https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/walter-benjamin

Lise Meitner Excellence Programme

Details
Who is it for: Highly talented early-career scientists of any nationality; doctorate no more than 9 years ago; applications of all genders welcome
Where: Max Planck Institutes
Typical length: 4–5 years (tenure-track; may lead to permanent W2 position)
Funding for group members: Yes (can fund an independent research group)
Application periods: Typically February – April
Feedback period: Several months (three-stage evaluation)
Interviews: Yes (TBC)
Former holders:
Link: https://www.mpg.de/11963177/faqs-to-lise-meitner-excellence-program

DESY Fellowship (Experimental Particle Physics)

Details
Who is it for: Junior scientists in experimental particle physics; PhD holders with up to 5 years postdoctoral experience
Where: DESY (Hamburg or Zeuthen)
Typical length: 2 + 1 years
Funding for group members: No
Application periods: Two calls per year; deadlines in March and September
Feedback period: Approx. 2 months
Interviews: No (TBC)
Former holders:
Link: https://www.desy.de/career/career_programs/fellowships/experimental_particle_physics/index_eng.html



Italy

INFN Fellowship for Foreign Citizens

Details
Who is it for: Non-Italian postdocs; up to 8 years post PhD (career breaks taken into consideration accordingly)
Where: Any Italian INFN section
Typical length: Up to 24 months
Funding for group members: No (TBC)
Application periods: Typical application periods: November/December
Feedback period: Typical feedback period: around February, to start ~April
Interviews: No
Former holders:
Link: https://jobs.dsi.infn.it/index.php?tipo=Contratto%20di%20ricerca


Netherlands

Veni

Details
Who is it for: Aimed at newly promoted researchers; both researchers with and without a tenured contract can apply. Up to 3 years post PhD.
Where: Proposed research must take place at one of the Dutch institutions stated in the Call for proposals, and the researchers must be appointed there.
Typical length: 3 years (can be part-time; project can be extended proportionally for up to 1 year)
Funding for group members: Non-academic staff support and materials for the project possible (no PhD student or postdoc)
Application periods: Deadline for pre-proposals early September; pre-proposal decision ~Nov/Dec; full proposal deadline January following year
Feedback period: Two-stage procedure: pre-proposal decision ~Nov/Dec; final decision around July following year
Interviews: Yes, around May
Former holders:
Link: https://www.nwo.nl/en/researchprogrammes/nwo-talent-programme/projects-veni

Vidi

Details
Who is it for: Aimed at researchers with several years of postdoctoral experience able to develop their own innovative line of research; up to 8 years post PhD. Two-stage procedure, with pre-proposal stage.
Where: Proposed research must take place at one of the Dutch institutions stated in the Call for proposals, and the researchers must be appointed there.
Typical length: 5 years
Funding for group members: Yes, can fund group members (postdoc, technician, PhD students)
Application periods: Pre-proposal deadline ~November; decision on pre-proposals January following year; full proposal deadline ~April following year
Feedback period: Pre-proposal decision ~January; final decision ~October
Interviews: Yes, July following year
Former holders:
Link: https://www.nwo.nl/en/researchprogrammes/nwo-talent-programme/projects-veni

Vici

Details
Who is it for: Aimed at senior researchers with proven leadership and mentoring qualities who have shown they can develop their own line of research; up to 15 years post PhD. Two-stage procedure, with pre-proposal stage.
Where: Proposed research must take place at one of the Dutch institutions stated in the Call for proposals, and the researchers must be appointed there.
Typical length: 5 years
Funding for group members: Yes, can fund group members (postdoc, technician, PhD students)
Application periods: Pre-proposal deadline ~March; full proposal deadlines ~September
Feedback period: February/March following year
Interviews: Yes, January following year
Former holders:
Link: https://www.nwo.nl/en/researchprogrammes/nwo-talent-programme/projects-veni


Spain

Ramón y Cajal

Details
Who is it for: Postdoctoral researchers with outstanding scientific track records, both Spanish and international. General track as well as a track for researchers with disabilities ≥33%. Selected researchers must maintain at least 24 months of mobility. About 2–10 years postdoctoral experience (check specific call dates).
Where: Spanish research institutions
Typical length: 5 years
Funding for group members: Some research expenses possible; involvement of personnel TBC
Application periods: Typical application periods: November/December
Feedback period: Mid-following year
Interviews: Yes, typically yearly the following year
Former holders:
Link: https://www.aei.gob.es/convocatorias/buscador-convocatorias/ayudas-contratos-ramon-cajal-ryc-2025/convocatoria

Juan de la Cierva Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Early career postdocs; must hold a PhD (1–2 years post PhD, check specific call dates). General track and disability track (>33%). Mobility mandatory (except disability track). Host must be different from PhD institution. Internal pre-selection may apply.
Where: Spanish research institutions
Typical length: 2–3 years
Funding for group members: No
Application periods: Varies; previous calls: final submission Dec/Jan/Feb (internal deadlines may open Nov)
Feedback period: September/October
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https://www.aei.gob.es/convocatorias/buscador-convocatorias/ayudas-contratos-juan-cierva-2025


Switzerland

CERN Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Early career postdocs; nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State (a few exceptions possible annually). Must have a PhD and up to 6 years of professional experience since graduation.
Where: CERN
Typical length: 6–24 months, with possibility to extend to 36 months
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Two rounds annually: around March/April and September/October
Feedback period: Reviewed by CERN Fellowship Committee; selections often in May and November
Interviews: No
Former holders:
Link: https://careers.cern/programmes/research-fellowship/

CERN LD Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Outstanding researchers
Where: CERN
Typical length: 1–5 years, with possibility for extension up to 8 years
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: TBC
Feedback period: TBC
Interviews: Yes
Former holders:
Link: https://careers.cern/programmes/research-fellowship/

CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Must have interrupted their career for personal reasons (family, care, health, etc.). Must have a PhD and up to 6 years of professional experience by application deadline.
Where: CERN
Typical length: 6–24 months, with possibility to extend to 36 months
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Typically August/September
Feedback period: Selection takes several months
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https://careers.cern/programmes/post-career-break-fellowship/

Ambizione Grant

Details
Who is it for: Young researchers who wish to conduct, manage, and lead an independent project at a Swiss higher education institution. Researchers 1–4 years post PhD from Switzerland or excellent researchers from abroad.
Where: Swiss higher education institution
Typical length: 4 years
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Typically August–November
Feedback period: Two-stage process; decisions mid-(following year)
Interviews: Yes, June the following year
Former holders:
Link: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/sbfi/en/home/education/funding-research/funding-programmes/ambizione.html


United Kingdom

URF (Royal Society)

Details
Who is it for: Outstanding early career scientists with potential to become leaders in their field; any nationality; 3–8 years research experience (excluding career breaks) since PhD by closing date.
Where: Any UK university or research institution
Typical length: 8 years
Funding for group members: Yes, can fund group members
Application periods: July–September
Feedback period: June the year thereafter
Interviews: Yes
Former holders:
Link: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/urfs/

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Early career scientists requiring flexible working due to personal circumstances (UK + international); up to 6 years post PhD
Where: Any UK university or research institution
Typical length: 8 years
Funding for group members: Yes, can fund group members
Application periods: September–October
Feedback period: Around end of July the year thereafter
Interviews: Yes, early June the year thereafter
Former holders: Eva Gersabeck (ask for permission before posting other names)
Link: https://royalsociety.org/grants/dorothy-hodgkin-fellowship/

Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (STFC)

Details
Who is it for: Early career researchers without an academic position; must have clear leadership potential; any nationality; requires internal departmental shortlisting before application.
Where: Any UK university or research institution with STFC ERF quota
Typical length: 5 years
Funding for group members: No, but Department can sometimes negotiate support for PhD student or technician
Application periods: June–October (contact host institution earlier for internal shortlisting)
Feedback period: Shortly after interviews
Interviews: Yes, typically April/May
Former holders:
Link: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ernest-rutherford-fellowships/

Newton Fellowships

Details
Who is it for: Non-UK scientists at early stage of research career wishing to conduct research in the UK; max 5 years postdoctoral experience post-PhD (accounting for career breaks)
Where: UK universities
Typical length: Up to 24 months
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: January–March
Feedback period: End of August
Interviews: No
Former holders:
Link: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/newton-international/

Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851

Details
Who is it for: Early career scientists and engineers of exceptional promise; usually ≤3 years postdoctoral experience
Where: UK institution approved by the Commissioners
Typical length: 3 years; starts in October and cannot be deferred
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Deadline usually early January
Feedback period: Around June
Interviews: Maybe not
Former holders:
Link: https://royalcommission1851.org/fellowships/research-fellowships

Leverhulme Fellowships

Details
Who is it for: Early career researchers with a research record but no full-time permanent post nor holding postdoctoral positions to pursue their own research project; must hold a doctorate; career development support within UK
Where: Any UK university with research degree awarding powers
Typical length: Up to 36 months (or part-time proportionally longer)
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: January–February (internal expression of interest ~3 months prior)
Feedback period: Around May
Interviews: Maybe not
Former holders:
Link: https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/funding/grant-schemes/research-fellowships

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Early career researchers (no limit on postdoctoral years); some calls strategic and vary by year
Where: University of Manchester internal scheme
Typical length: 5 years fixed term
Funding for group members: PhD student(s) and small research funding possible
Application periods: Varies; last round closed 7 April 2025
Feedback period: About two months after deadline
Interviews: Yes, two rounds within two months
Former holders:
Link: https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/research/fellowship/dame-kathleen-ollerenshaw-fellowship/

Career Development Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Talented early career scientists from underrepresented groups ( Black or Mixed Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black heritage backgrounds) in STEM; UK nationals or those with partial UK education or postdoc experience; up to 24 months post PhD
Where: Any UK institution
Typical length: 4 years
Funding for group members: Research funds yes, no group members
Application periods: September–November
Feedback period: June
Interviews: No
Former holders:
Link: https://royalsociety.org/grants/career-development-fellowship/

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

Details
Who is it for: Talented people transitioning to or establishing independence in universities, businesses, or research organisations; open to international applicants
Where: FLF fellows based in universities, businesses or other eligible independent research organisations
Typical length: 4 + 3 years
Funding for group members: Yes, can fund group members
Application periods: February–June (varies slightly)
Feedback period: May–June following year (varies slightly)
Interviews: Yes
Former holders:
Link: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/future-leaders-fellowships/

Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowships

Details
Who is it for: Researchers who have taken a break of at least 2 years for family, caring, or health reasons; must have a PhD or ≥3 years research experience before the break; UK residency and right to work required
Where: UK research institution
Typical length: Varies
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: TBC
Feedback period: TBC
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https://daphnejackson.org/


United States of America

Lederman Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Exceptional postdoctoral candidates with outstanding research ability and interest in education/outreach; recently obtained PhD or expected within a certain time period.
Where: Fermilab, USA
Typical length: 3+2 years
Funding for group members: Maybe not
Application periods: October/November
Feedback period: January/February the following year
Interviews: Yes, January the following year
Former holders:
Link: https://www.fnal.gov/pub/forphysicists/fellowships/leon_lederman/index.html

Grainger Fellowship in Experimental Physics

Details
Who is it for: Early career postdoctoral researchers, up to ~3 years post PhD (check website for dates)
Where: University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
Typical length: 2 years
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Mid-to-late December (no round 2025/26; check future rounds)
Feedback period: February/March
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https://physics.uchicago.edu/academics/postdoctoral-programs/grainger-fellowship-in-experimental-physics/

Enrico Fermi, Robert R. McCormick & Mafalda and Reinhard Oehme Fellowships

Details
Who is it for: Early career postdoctoral researchers
Where: Enrico Fermi Institute, University of Chicago, USA
Typical length: 1+1+1 years
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Opens summer/fall, deadline ~November (later applications possible but priority given to on-time submissions)
Feedback period: Around February
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https://efi.uchicago.edu/fellowships/

Raymond Davis Junior Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Early career researchers, future scientific leaders; 2–5 years post PhD; selected based on ability to contribute to BNL initiatives
Where: Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA
Typical length: 4 years
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: September–November
Feedback period: March the following year
Interviews: Yes, 2 stages January and February following year
Former holders:
Link: https://www.bnl.gov/davis-fellowship/

Goldhaber Distinguished Fellowship

Details
Who is it for: Candidates with exceptional talent and credentials desiring independent research; ≤3 years post PhD at application
Where: Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA
Typical length: 3 years
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: March–May
Feedback period: TBC
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https://www.bnl.gov/hr/goldhaber/

Pappalardo Fellowships in Physics

Details
Who is it for: Early career researchers; candidates must be nominated by faculty or senior researchers within physics/astronomy or related fields
Where: MIT, USA
Typical length: 3 years
Funding for group members: —
Application periods: —
Feedback period: —
Interviews: —
Former holders:
Link: https://physics.mit.edu/research/pappalardo-fellowships-in-physics/

Other countries with no LHCb groups

Canada: Emmy Noether Fellows Program

Details
Who is it for: Women and under-represented groups in early- and mid-career as physicists of all backgrounds; encouraged to apply if currently in faculty positions in Physics or equivalent positions at research centers, particularly in fields represented at Perimeter (e.g., particle physics).
Where: Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Typical length: 1 year visit
Funding for group members: No funding for group members
Application periods: Opens around November, deadline ~January
Feedback period: April/May the following year
Interviews: TBC
Former holders:
Link: https:// academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30905? utm_content=356601128&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-76347