Events for postdocs
ETH Zurich supports the career development of its postdoctoral researchers by regularly organizing various information events. They aim to provide valuable insights and inspiration to help postdocs navigate their career journeys, whether in academia or beyond. Stay informed about upcoming events and take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your professional growth and network with peers and experts in your field.
Resilience in Research: A Series for Postdoctoral Researchers at ETH Zurich
As part of ETH Zurich’s Action Plan to Support Young Researchers, the Grants Office is organizing a pilot series centered on professional development for postdoctoral researchers. Six events will take place in 2026 featuring a diverse range of topics, speakers, and formats.
9 March 2026, Perseverance in Publishing: join members of the Library and the Grants Office to learn helpful tools to boost writing productivity as well as tips for tackling perfectionism and procrastination. In this workshop, participants will learn strategies for dealing with rejected articles and difficult reviews, including so-called "reviewer 2," as well as how to proactively manage conflicts regarding authorship. This lunchtime event with complementary catering will be followed by a collective “write-in,” so bring your works in progress! Alumni Pavillon (MM C 78.1, ETH Zentrum), 11:30-13:30.
Space is limited. Registration is therefore mandatory, but should only be done if you are able to attend. Registration is done via the registration form (only possible with an ETH login).
13 April 2026, Postdocs on the Move: Embracing Mobility: in this lunchtime event, participants will gain insight into the importance of mobility as well as different strategies for obtaining mobility in research careers. Members of the Grants Office and representative members of the ETH research community will present a targeted overview of funding schemes for mobility, provide insider perspectives on how mobility is discussed and evaluated in funding panels, and lead participants through exercises centered on the importance of finding a suitable host. Alumni Pavillon (MM C 78.1, ETH Zentrum), 11:30-13:30.
Space is limited. Registration is therefore mandatory, but should only be done if you are able to attend. Registration is done via the registration form (only possible with an ETH login).
30 June 2026, Gaining and Demonstrating Independence: Postdoctoral Pathways: early career researchers are often required to demonstrate independence from their hosts. But what does this really mean? In this lunchtime workshop, members of the Grants Office and the wider ETH community will share strategies for steps towards independence, from publications to grant proposals, as well as approaches to meaningfully capturing independence in narrative and traditional CVs. Participants will also gain insight into tools for academic career planning, specifically Independent Development Plans, that can help postdoctoral researchers increase their productivity and professional fulfillment.
Save the date: 30 June 2026, 11:30 – 13:30, ETH Zentrum
31 August 2026, Times of Transition in Academic Careers: this afternoon event will take the novel form of a “walk and talk”, whereby postdoctoral researchers and ETH faculty members from divergent fields will have the opportunity to converse on the challenges of transition periods in academic careers, from the postdoc years to the beginning of assistant professorships, in a warm and informal atmosphere.
Save the date: 31 August 2026, 16:00 – 18:00, ETH Zentrum
19 October 2026, Resilience in Grant Writing: Strategies for Biosystems Science: this lunchtime event will mirror the January 20th workshop but will be especially tailored for postdoctoral researchers in D-BSSE: in a warm and collegial atmosphere, participants will gain invaluable insight into the submission and resubmission process by dissecting real rejection letters. Through an overview of common reasons for rejection, participants will learn how to preempt potential criticisms, thereby improving their chances of success.
Save the date: 19 October 2026, 11:30 - 13:30, D-BSSE campus, Basel
Past events:
20 January 2026, Resilience in Grant Writing: join members of the Grants Office to discover what makes grant seeking a marathon and not a sprint. In a warm and collegial atmosphere, participants will gain invaluable insight into the submission and resubmission process by dissecting real rejection letters. Through an overview of common reasons for rejection, participants will learn how to preempt potential criticisms, thereby improving their chances of success.
Funding opportunities for postdocs
Independence is a goal and a challenge of the postdoctoral phase. Acquiring your own third-party funding can make an important contribution to this.
Twice a year, the ETH Grants Office and ETH Industry Relations organise an event on funding opportunities specifically for postdocs. Various ETH-internal, national and international funding opportunities are presented and you will learn how third-party funding can contribute to the advancement of your career.
In addition, experienced ETH researcher(s) will talk about their experiences, successes and struggles, and will be available to answer your questions.
The next event will take place in autumn. The exact date will be announced on this page as soon as it is known.
Download link to the Download presentation (PDF, 7.9 MB) from 4 February 2026 and the Download Q&As (PDF, 146 KB).
Postdoc Career Week
The Postdoc Career Week takes place every second year and aims to support postdoctoral researchers in their career planning and development. It offers a series of sessions and workshops that cover various topics relevant to postdocs, whether they are interested in pursuing careers in academia or exploring opportunities in other sectors such as industry, public service, NGOs, or the corporate world.
The program includes sessions on mentorship, funding opportunities, skill transitions, entrepreneurship, and the academic appointment process. It also features practical advice on writing narrative CVs, preparing for job interviews, and sharing career journeys of former postdocs.
The event is co-organised by the Development and Leadership unit, the Grants Office, the Career Center, and AVETH/Postdoc+. It's a great opportunity for postdocs to gain insights, receive support, and find inspiration for their career paths.
The last Postdoc Career Week took place from 2 to 6 February 2026. The next event is expected to take place again in 2028.