NCCR Automation Fellowship

The NCCR Automation Fellowship empowers motivated students from abroad to conduct their master thesis or research project in one or several research groups associated with NCCR Automation.
Study abroad

Please note: Current applications are under review and the results will be announced in mid-December. The call for 2023 is now closed and we do not accept spontaneous applications.

 

A research exchange is an important part of a career. Not only does it broaden your scientific horizon, but it also expands your personal network and increase your self-confidence. NCCR Automation is launching the first call of its Fellowship program to promote international research collaboration, interdisciplinarity and foster exchanges. We look forward to hosting researchers from outside Switzerland in its research groups. 

Eligibility

You may apply for the fellowship if you fulfill the following criteria:

  • You are currently engaged with education or research program that complements the research group that you are applying to work with.
  • You remain enrolled or employed at your home institution until the end of your stay in the context of this fellowship.
  • For PhD students and postdoctoral researchers: You will continue to receive your salary from your home institution.
  • You did not study nor worked at the host institution in the past.
  • You meet the requirements of the host institution. Find links in the FAQ linked to at the end of this page.

Details

  • Duration: max. 6 months, finish date 31.07.2024 at the latest.
  • Budget:
    • We provide up to CHF 3’000 per month, and up to CHF 20’000 per fellowship[1].
    • The PI supervising the student cover for project-related expenses, such as travel costs to NCCR Automation meetings.
  • The hosting lab and the NCCR Automation network provide supervision and mentoring, as well as a stimulating research environment.
  • Participation in research and social activities with NCCR Automation researchers.
  • Applicants must declare scholarships they benefit from during their research stay with us.

[1] Eligible costs include increased living costs, child support if applicable, return flight in economy class.

Deliverables

  • Report: max 4 pages in total, according to the provided template;
  • Research report;
  • Financial report;
  • Fellowship must be mentioned in publication "This work was supported by NCCR Automation, grant agreement 51NF40_180545 from the Swiss National Science Foundation";

How to apply

Please note that applications for this year have now closed.

A good application takes time and requires your commitment. Apply via the application platform, and provide the requested input and documents below in PDF format. The submission deadline is 30th September 2023 at 17:00 (CEST). 

  • CV (max. 2 pages) with publications (if relevant);
  • Motivation letter for MSc student, research proposal for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers;
  • Budget plan;
  • List of all other scholarships the applicant benefits from during their stay with NCCR Automation;
  • Directly sent to the NCCR:
    • Invitation letter from a NCCR PI (recommended);
    • letter of support from home institution and supervisor (compulsory).
  • Copy of university degree(s) and/or transcripts of all grades;
  • For Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers: A research proposal, covering your research question and how you intend to go about answering the question or contribute to answering it. Be sure to argue appropriately, in other words, so that you can realistically address it in the time available to you, with the means you will have at hand. To this end, provide a plan and/or timeline.

Application procedure and selection criteria

  • Only the applications received on the application platform before the 30.09.23 17:00 (CEST) will be considered ;
  • The applications received will be evaluated by the NCCR Management Team and PIs.
  • The selection criteria are:
    • potential of the applicant for research at NCCR Automation;
    • alignment with the goals of this fellowship.
  • The results of the NCCR Automation Fellowship will be released in December 2023.

Questions and feedback

Do you have additional questions? Please have a look at the frequently asked questions and write to Frederik Banis for further information.

Flyer for fellowship programme