Female Scientific Leadership Fellowship

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting‑edge research, Empa's around 1 100 employees make essential contributions to the well‑being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain. Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, is based in Dübendorf, St. Gallen and Thun, and brings together around 1 100 co‑workers from more than 60 nations in an interdisciplinary, international environment with a strong network across academia and industry. Women Scientific Leadership Fellowship Empa is launching the Women Scientific Leadership Fellowship, a new funding programme to support outstanding women scientists on their path to independent research leadership. The Fellowship gives excellent candidates the resources and hands‑on leadership experience to establish themselves as future group leaders at Empa. This is part of our broader commitment outlined in our Diversity Action Plan and relates to specific goals that are regularly implemented, reviewed and further developed. What the Fellowship Offers A 4-year fellowship, comparable in scope and ambition to an SNF/ERC Starting Grant. Funding for the fellow’s own salary, plus one doctoral (PhD) student position for the fellow to lead and supervise, combining independent research with genuine leadership experience. A structured opportunity to build the track record needed for a future, tenure‑track group leader role at Empa. Who Can Apply Internal or external candidates. Internal candidates may apply for a position in their current laboratory or another providing a strategic fit. Candidates from industry, provided they have a strong scientific track record. Researchers holding a doctorate, with postdoctoral or equivalent independent research experience and an excellent, ambitious research profile that aligns with the strategic direction of one of our research laboratories. Strategic Requirement This Fellowship is targeted, not open-ended: applications are accepted only where the hosting Empa laboratory has a concrete, realistic prospect of a group‑leader-level opening within the next five years. Laboratories without such a prospect are asked not to put forward candidates. Before applying, candidates must secure a letter of support from the relevant lab head confirming this strategic fit. Evaluation Applications are assessed by an evaluation panel against the excellence of the candidate, the excellence and feasibility of the proposed research and leadership plan, and the strategic fit within the host department – criteria comparable to those used for ERC Starting Grants. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview. Programme Format and Timeline The Fellowship is not a one‑off competitive call but an ongoing programme, with two evaluation rounds per year, in January and June. First round – application deadline: December First round – evaluation: January 2027 Places available: Up to 3 fellowships Special cases: Can be discussed directly with the programme task for Why Empa Internationally recognized science institute with access to excellent research infrastructure and a wide net‑work spanning academia and industry. A strong, demonstrated commitment to equal opportunities: Empa holds the HR Excellence in Research label and received the Prix Balance ZH award for promoting diversity and work–family life balance. Recognition as a top employer: 6th place in the Education Research category of the 2024 “Best Employer” ranking. #J-18808-Ljbffr