CSH Fellows are expected to be independent postdoctoral researchers within 5 years of their PhD, with demonstrated scientific excellence and an interest in interdisciplinary research. Each CSH Fellowship is held for 2+1 years at the University of Bern, the third year being granted after successful review of the first 1.5 years. The position comes with an annual research budget of 5,000 CHF (for travel, publications, etc.). The annual salary is between 85,000 and 100,000 CHF, depending on experience (years after PhD) and is set by a predetermined matrix from the University of Bern. In addition to conducting ambitious research, we expect each CSH Fellow to take on leadership roles in the intellectual life of the CSH, including active participation in CSH Colloquia, CSH Lunches, journal clubs, and in hosting research visitors.

The CSH has a successful track record of supporting Fellows in securing career grants (SNSF & ERC) through dedicated workshops, participation in panel reviews, and personalised mentoring for proposal writing and interview preparation.

The University of Bern offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
• Pension fund contributions
• 25 days of paid vacation per year
• Paid sick leave
• Parental leave
• Child allowances
• We also have a brand new family room equipped to welcome babies, toddlers and young kids.
https://www.unibe.ch/unibe/portal/content/e809/e878/e880/e896/e33909/e880338/e880340/Willkommen_EN_VariantePDF_ger.pdf

Prospective candidates are expected to submit a research proposal with a maximum length of 5 pages. The candidate will use a maximum of 3 pages to explain their existing research expertise and interests performed either during the PhD or previous postdoctoral position(s). The remainder of the proposal (minimum 2 pages) should describe the future research to be conducted at the CSH, including the key scientific questions to be addressed and the anticipated scientific impact. Elucidating possible synergies with existing CSH researchers and partners is looked upon favourably; please consult the CSH website for details. Additional application materials include a 2-page CV, a list of peer-reviewed publications (with no page limit), and a signed cover letter (1 page) with the names of the three reference letter writers.
The entire application should be submitted as a single PDF file to CSH secretary Ms. Danielle Zemp (danielle.zemp'at'unibe.ch) by the application deadline of 30th November 2025. Please specify any career breaks in your CV so that they can be considered accordingly. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the three letters of recommendation are sent directly by the letter writers to the CSH secretary before the deadline. Inquiries: Ms. Danielle Zemp, CSH secretary

Shortlisted candidates will be informed in January 2026 and will be invited for an online presentation followed with an interview. We anticipate extending formal offers by the end of February 2026. The earliest possible starting date is April 1st, 2026.

The Center for Space and Habitability is part of a vibrant Bernese and Swiss research environment and has close connections to the Space and Planetary Sciences Division of the University of Bern, as well as to other centres/institutes in areas as diverse as medicine, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and the philosophy of science. Our collaborative network includes the Center for Origin and Prevalence of Life (ETH Zürich), the Life in the Universe Center (University of Geneva) as well as the National Center for Competence in Research PlanetS.
The CSH also hosts the CHEOPS space Mission.
The Center for Space and Habitability and the University of Bern strive to be an equal opportunity employer and have equal opportunity measures in place for the CSH Fellowship programme hiring procedure. Researchers from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.