The DEE is fortunate to have a number of externally and independently funded fellows (e.g., SNSF Starting and Ambizionegrants, ERC) as part of its academic staff. These fellows contribute to our research environment in terms of their research, the graduates they train, contributions they make to our intellectual environment, and to teaching.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of applying for an externally funded fellowship in the DEE:
- Check your eligibility and the participation requirements for such a grant.
For SNSF grants, information can be found at:
http://www.snf.ch/en/funding/careers/Pages/default.aspx
For ERC grants, information can be found at:
https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/starting-grant
If you are an internal applicant you should be aware that applying locally can be a disadvantage for obtaining a SNSF starting grant. For this reason, internal applicants should clearly explain in their motivation letter (see point 4 below) why they think the DEE is the ideal place to host their grant instead of moving to another institution. - Contact informally a Group Leader(s) in the DEE whose research interests are most closely aligned with yours and who would be willing to act as a “mentor” for any question and host you for a visit. If none, contact the DEE Director who will assign a mentor to you.
- Keep in mind the application deadlines.
- Send formal expression of interest in being hosted by the DEE well in advance of application deadlines to the DEE Fellowship committee (e-mail). Candidates with a suitable profile will be invited to visit the Department to give a talk about their research and to discuss their ideas with us before we can decide to act as potential host. Your formal expression of interest should be formatted as a single document and should include:
- Your full CV.
- An overview in up to four pages explaining the research you would do in the DEE.
- A letter of motivation explaining why the DEE would be an appropriate host for your research.
- A brief description of your anticipated space needs (including desk and bench space), any equipment you plan to install, and any departmental equipment to which you would need access.
- The names and addresses of three people who could comment on your potential as an independent scientist.
