FAQ Application process

How can I find a job at ETH Zurich?

We publish all our open positions on our job portal. If you cannot find a suitable job, you can arrange a jobmail.

Can I apply proactively at ETH Zurich?

Due to organisational reasons we only accept applications that are submitted via our e-recruiting tool in response to a specific, current job opening. Proactive applications will not be considered.

Can I submit my application via email or postal service?

No. Please apply exclusively via our online application portal. Applications via email or postal service will not be considered. If you need help to apply online, address us via e-mail at . An exception are job postings which explicitly ask for an application via email or postal service.

Is it possible to submit multiple applications at the same time and can I apply for other positions even after having received an information of refusal?

Yes. You can apply as many times as you wish. Please note that the motivation letter is an important document within the selection process for ETH Zurich. You should always adapt your motivation letter to the specific job posting.

I would like to apply for several positions. Do I have to submit an application for every position?

Yes. You need to submit a fully completed application form for every position.

How can I be sure that my application has been successfully submitted?

Immediately after sending your application form, you will receive an automatic confirmation via e-mail (please consult your spam file). In case you do not receive an automatic confirmation mail, you might have provided a wrong e-mail address. In this case, please address us via e-mail at .

Can I edit my application after having sent the application form?

Yes. with the confirmation email you will receive a link, which you can use to edit your application at any time.

Will I receive a reply to my application in every case?

Yes. Every applicant will be informed about the result of his/her application.  

How much time does the application process take?

After having applied online, the documents are immediately available for the selection committee. Normally the selection process (review of the applications, interviews, gathering of references, contract proposal) takes four to eight weeks. Please note that some application processes might take several months.

How can I withdraw my application?

You can withdraw your application at any time. Please use the link in the confirmation email and click on Delete application. Recruiters will automatically be informed about the withdrawal of your application. Your application documents will be deleted immediately.

I have a question about the application process. Who can I contact?

Please contact the person mentioned in the job advertisement. If there is no person mentioned in the job advertisement address us via e-mail at

I need to provide references for the job position I want to apply for. Where can I mention them?

Please mention name, e-mail address, phone number and organisation of your references in your CV or in a separate document.

How many MB are available for the upload of my application documents?

For each document, 20 MB are available for upload.

I cannot submit my application via the application form. An error message appears. What can I do?

If you need assistance submitting your documents online, please contact us via e-mail at . Please state the title of the position you wish to apply for and include a screenshot of the error information.

How long wil my data be stored?

After completion of the recruitment process, your data will remain stored in our system for three months.

I would like to delete my data. How can I do this?

You can delete your application at any time. Use the link in the confirmation of receipt and click on Delete application.

There is no indication in the job advertisement about the length of the application period. How much time do I have to apply?

If there is no indication about the length of the application period, the position will be closed as soon as enough applications of quality have been submitted or the position has been filled. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Are the job advertisements, which have been posted for several weeks on the ETH job portal, up-to-date?

Yes. Positions, which we could fill or no longer accept applications for, are removed from our homepage.

How can I get more information about the advertised position?

In almost all of the advertisements, a contact person is mentioned for information about the position. If no person is mentioned, please consult the website of the respective department.

I have seen a job advertisement on another job portal, but cannot find it on the ETH job portal. Does the position exist?

If the job advertisement does not appear on the ETH job portal, applications are no longer considered or the position has already been filled.

Where can I find more information about the working conditions and the salary range regarding the position I am applying for?

The working conditions of the Swiss Federal Personnel Law and the Personnel Ordinance for the ETH Domain apply. The salary is based on function, experience and performance. 

Does ETH Zurich accept applications from employment agencies?

This depends on the job profile. The Download General Terms and Conditions (GTC) of ETH Zurich for the purchase of recruitment services (PDF, 81 KB) apply.