FAQs
What is the BEST Fellowship, what are its main goals?
Postdoctoral researchers receive the unique opportunity to gain experiences in both the academic and industry environments, and advance the development and application of bioengineering for translational medicine and potential therapies for the benefit of human health.
Who should apply?
The ideal applicant for a BEST Fellowship leverages the freedom and cumulative expertise offered by the fellowship to excel the development and application of bioengineering in translational medicine. The fellowship is aimed at junior researchers with a record of outstanding achievements and a passion for highly innovative solutions to multidisciplinary medical challenges. If you search for the unique opportunity to get best prepared for future academic and industrial pharmacological leadership roles you should apply for this programme. The two programme partners, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED) and the ETH Zurich Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) are looking to hire brilliant minds to join them on the quest to create breakthrough advances in the medical and research field.
What are the roles of its two founding partners?
The two founding partners, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED) and the ETH Zurich Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), offer full access to their Basel campuses, their facilities, expertise, mentoring and guidance. All postdoctoral projects will be shared between pRED and D-BSSE and both partners will provide mentors for each project. The Programme Officer located at D-BSSE provides administrative and operational support, to ensure the gentle flow of processes and maximise the benefits for enrolled fellows and partners alike by creating opportunities and opening up channels for knowledge exchanges, partnering and networking.
What is the idea behind defining specific research projects?
Experts from both partners jointly identify real-world challenges that need collaborative research to speed up the development of bioengineering approaches for translational medicine. These challenges form the basis of the Postdoc projects in this fellowship programme.
How many fellowships will be granted?
Every year, between four or five fellowships will be granted.
Who is eligible to apply for a BEST Fellowship?
The BEST Fellowship is open to all national and international scientists. Candidates holding a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) and a record of outstanding achievements are eligible for the BEST Fellowship. The academic background must be from biology, biotechnology, computational sciences, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacy, and other related disciplines. The applicant must prove a high-quality track record of skills and achievements and is expected to work on high-risk, high-gain pre-defined research projects in a collaborative manner.
What criteria beyond the formal criteria must applicants meet?
Applicants are those who thrive in a dynamic, inclusive environment which gives them full accountability for their own contributions and development. They have a keen interest in continuously building a personal network, and are resourceful and flexible in problem solving and in working in a collaborative and inclusive manner. They are able to identify their top deliverables, finalise projects to achieve results whilst assuming personal responsibility for outcomes.
How does the selection procedure work?
The announcement of available postdoctoral fellowships comes on a rolling basis throughout the year. Candidates who are eligible are encouraged to apply for a fellowship linked to a specific research project following the ETH guidelines for employment. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of principal investigators and group leaders from Roche pRED and ETH D-BSSE. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews with Roche pRED and ETH D-BSSE group leaders. The fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis.
Who owns the scientific achievements from the research?
The ownership of scientific achievements are agreed upon for each project individually before the start of a project. The rights to publish are fully protected.