Employment and salary

Scientific assistants in the first two career levels receive a fixed starting salary, which is paid out in 12 monthly instalments. At each of these two levels, the salary is increased annually in predefined incremental stages over three years.

Scientific assistants are employed on non-permanent contracts, which run for a maximum period of six years.

Further information can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees. Please note that the rates in the appendix are subject to adjustments and will be announced by the ETH executive board.

PhD students and postdocs from abroad find more information on employment and the salary rates on the Welcome Center website.

Established researchers are assigned to a function level. Their salary varies within the corresponding performance range and is paid out in 13 monthly instalments. An appraisal interview is held each year, in which the employee and the employee’s supervisor define new and effective targets for the following year based on an assessment of the employee’s current performance. At the same time, measures are taken to enhance employees’ specialist knowledge and keep them motivated.

Established researchers are employed on non-permanent contracts, which run for a maximum period of six years.

Further information can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees.

Scientific collaborators and senior scientists are assigned to a function level. Their salary varies within the corresponding performance range and is paid out in 13 monthly instalments. An appraisal interview is held each year, in which the employee and the employee’s supervisor define new and effective targets for the following year based on an assessment of the employee’s current performance. At the same time, measures are taken to enhance employees’ specialist knowledge and keep them motivated.

Senior scientists are employed on permanent contracts.

Further information can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees.

Employees in support functions are assigned to a function level. Their salary varies within the corresponding performance range and is paid out in 13 monthly instalments. An appraisal interview is held each year, in which the employee and the employee’s supervisor define new and effective targets for the following year based on an assessment of the employee’s current performance. At the same time, measures are taken to enhance employees’ specialist knowledge and keep them motivated.

Employees in support functions are generally employed on permanent contracts.

The type of employment contract awarded to staff working on specific projects depends on the tasks they carry out, the duration of the project and the source of funding. Aside from being assigned to a level in the salary system and receiving an annual salary (paid out in 13 monthly instalments), an “all-in salary” can be arranged, which is spread over 12 monthly instalments.

Project staff are employed on non-permanent contracts, which run for a maximum period of five years.

Further information for scientific project staff can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees.

Students can take on work as an assistant during their studies. They are paid an hourly wage for this type of employment, which is understood to include holidays. The Executive Board sets the base rate for assistants on an annual basis.