SNSF Opens Applications for Research Council Roles
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The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) invites applications for 21 positions on its Research Council, the central body shaping funding policy and evaluation. Mandates begin in April and October 2027 for a four-year term (re-election possible).
The Council is organized into five Programme Committees and a Policy Committee, each recruiting 2 to 5 new members. Applications are open to researchers from all disciplines and institutions across Switzerland providing they bring:
- strong scientific credentials
- broad research insight
- experience in evaluation or leadership
- strategic thinking, integrity, independence
- a willingness to actively contribute to the SNSF’s mission and funding principles
The mandate requires availability equivalent to 20% FTE and entails fair compensation.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the following job advertisements for detailed information on the required profiles and competencies:
- Policy Committee: Identifies gaps in research funding and develops recommendations and actions to help the SNSF improve how it fulfills its mandate.
Expertise required: Life sciences, Mathematics, Computer sciences, Natural sciences, Technology/engineering.
- Programme Committee International Cooperation: Sets the SNSF’s international strategy and manages funding and coordination of global research collaborations to strengthen Swiss research.
Funding schemes: Bilateral Programmes, Enlargement Contribution, SPIRIT, Scientific Exchanges, Scholars at Risk, International, Complementary Measures and European Partnerships.
Expertise required: Central/Eastern Europe and post-Soviet states focus (SSH or related fields), AI development, digitalization and associated research fields, Geosciences/sustainability, Patient-oriented clinical research, Expertise in knowledge security.
- Programme Committee Careers: Funds and supports early-career researchers while shaping and updating future career funding policies.
Funding schemes: R2 (Postdoc.Mobility; Ambizione) and R3 (SNSF Starting Grant).
Expertise required: Humanities, with expertise in qualitative research, Experimental sciences: material science and engineering and chemistry, MINT basic sciences, preferably theoretical, Clinical Research and Medicine.
- Programme Committee Long-term Research and Infrastructures: Manages major programmes and infrastructures that build capacity and maintain Switzerland’s competitiveness in key research areas.
Funding schemes: NCCR, FLARE, MARVIS, Cohort Studies and Research Infrastructures.
Expertise required: Medical research /Clinical research design, Technology/Engineering/Quantum, Environmental sciences, Digital humanities, Social sciences
- Programme Committee Projects: Funds open, researcher-driven projects across disciplines, including collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Funding schemes: Project Funding, WEAVE and Lead Agency, International Co-Investigator Scheme and Spark.
Expertise required: Social Sciences, preferably in economics or management sciences, Humanities (qualitative research), Theoretical natural sciences: quantum sciences, mathematics or theoretical physics.
- Programme Committee Thematic and Solution-oriented Research: Funds and steers research aligned with societal needs, translating them into high quality, interdisciplinary programmes that benefit science and society.
Funding schemes: NRPs, SOR4D, Agora, Quantum, Investigator initiated clinical trials and BRIDGE
Expertise required: Life Sciences and MINT disciplines: industrially oriented biosciences, Patient-oriented clinical research (experience with governance, ethical and legal frameworks).
The EPFL’s current representation on the Research Council is limited, and we strongly wish to increase and strengthen our presence in this key body within the Swiss research landscape. Therefore, we encourage qualified professors from our institution to apply for these positions and contribute by sharing their expertise at the national level.
Serving on the Research Council offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the strategic development of research funding and to help shape the future of the Swiss research landscape.
Current EPFL members of the SNSF Research Council: Prof. Donna Testerman, Prof. Jean-François Molinari & Prof. Fabien Sorin
Applications should be submitted by 14 June 2026 (midnight) to [email protected]. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are scheduled for October 2026, and the Foundation Council is expected to elect new members in December 2026.
For more information, please consult the SNSF announcement or contact the EPFL Research Office at [email protected].
If you plan to apply, please inform the Research Office at [email protected] of your intention.