SNSF Ambizione
The information on this page relates to the last SNSF Ambizione call (2024), which is now closed. You can use the information here to familiarize yourself with this funding instrument but you should be aware that details may change for the next call. Please also consult the SNSF website.
Note: In the event of maternity, the relevant period is extended by 18 months per child (see clause 1.11 in the SNSF General Implementation Regulations for the Funding Regulations).
The Grants Office assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information here.
Last update: 07.11.2024
| Eligibility | 1-4 years post PhD / 9 years post MD + proof of mobility |
|---|---|
| Grant budget | max. CHF 400,000 + salary |
| Project Grant budget |
max. CHF 400,000 |
| Duration | 2-4 years |
| Time commitment | min. 80% |
| Submission deadline |
1 November (to be confirmed) |
Submission
Proposals are submitted online on mySNF, the web platform of the SNSF. If you do not already have a mySNF user account, then you will need to open an account. You should aim to do this no later than one month before the deadline.
Admin forms
Net academic age
The applicant's previous scientific achievements are assessed in relation to their net academic age. Instructions on how to fill in the SNF form are shown in this video.
Budget - Grant
The budget information here is for the Ambizione Grant (WITH applicant salary).
Salary of applicant
Ambizione applicants must use the University of Bern salary rates for a Senior Research Assistant:
Y1 CHF 120'177
Y2 CHF 122'514
Y3 CHF 124'851
Y4 CHF 124'851
Note: This is an annual gross salary excluding social security contributions (see below).
If you plan to work part-time due to family care duties, there is the possibility of submitting the application with full-time employment and then extending the duration of the project. Please contact the Grants Office for advice.
Applicants who are planning clinical work in addition to the Ambizione project can only budget the salary share dedicated to the research project in mySNF.
Salaries of team members
PhD students
Due to the increase in the minimum salary for SNSF-funded PhD students from 2026, the Grants Office recommends provisionally budgeting an average gross salary of CHF 53,215/year for 4 years for PhD students.
Note: The length of employment for a PhD student funded by the SNSF is a maximum of four years.
Postdoctoral researchers
If the postdoc is already known, use the salary rates (annual gross salaries excluding social security contributions, see below) for Early or Advanced Postdocs according to the Postdoc Regulations of the University of Bern.
The following salary rates (annual gross salaries excluding social security contributions, see below) should be used for a vacant postdoc position:
Y1 CHF 90'133
Y2 CHF 92'136
Y3 CHF 102'151
Y4 CHF 104'487
Student assistants
The yearly annual gross salary (excluding social contributions, see below) for a student assistant with a bachelor’s degree is CHF 31'142 (GK12/GS0, 50% employment) and without a bachelor’s degree is CHF 26'526 (GK7/GS0, 50% employment).
Social contributions
The employer’s social security contributions for the University of Bern are 15%. This comes on top of the above-listed salary (mySNF will automatically calculate the amounts for you).
Other social security contributions: There are two kinds of further allowances in the Canton of Bern:
- “Betreuungszulage / Care allowance” – You need to budget this care allowance under “further social security contributions”. The TOTAL allowance is CHF 250/month for one child (CHF 3'000/year), CHF 180 for two (CHF 2'160/year), CHF 110/month for three (CHF 1'320/year) and CHF 40/month for four (CHF 480/year) children. Make sure that you explain your request under “general remarks” (e.g. care allowance for one child).
- “Kinderzulage / Child allowance” – This allowance will be paid by the “Ausgleichskasse” and therefore you do not need to request this money from the SNSF.
Budget - Project Grant
The budget information here refers to the Ambizione Project Grant (WITHOUT applicant salary).
Salary of applicant
The salary for the applicant is not covered by the SNSF.
Salaries of team members
PhD students
Due to the increase in the minimum salary for SNSF-funded PhD students from 2026, the Grants Office recommends provisionally budgeting an average gross salary of CHF 53,215/year for 4 years for PhD students
Note: The length of employment for a PhD student funded by the SNSF is a maximum of four years.
Postdoctoral researchers
If the postdoc is already known, use the salary rates (annual gross salaries excluding social security contributions, see below) for Early or Advanced Postdocs according to the Postdoc Regulations of the University of Bern.
The following salary rates (annual gross salaries excluding social security contributions, see below) should be used for a vacant postdoc position:
Y1 CHF 90'133
Y2 CHF 92'136
Y3 CHF 102'151
Y4 CHF 104'487
Student assistants
The yearly annual gross salary (excluding social contributions, see below) for a student assistant with a bachelor’s degree is CHF 31'142 (GK12/GS0, 50% employment) and without a bachelor’s degree is CHF 26'526 (GK7/GS0, 50% employment).
Social contributions
The employer’s social security contributions for the University of Bern are 15%. This comes on top of the above-listed salary (mySNF will automatically calculate the amounts for you).
Other social security contributions: There are two kinds of further allowances in the Canton of Bern:
- “Betreuungszulage / Care allowance” – You need to budget this care allowance under “further social security contributions”. The TOTAL allowance is CHF 250/month for one child (CHF 3'000/year), CHF 180 for two (CHF 2'160/year), CHF 110/month for three (CHF 1'320/year) and CHF 40/month for four (CHF 480/year) children. Make sure that you explain your request under “general remarks” (e.g. care allowance for one child).
- “Kinderzulage / Child allowance” – This allowance will be paid by the “Ausgleichskasse” and therefore you do not need to request this money from the SNSF.
FAQs
If you have questions, please consult the SNSF's frequently asked questions (see "FAQ" tab) or contact the Grants Office.
Guides and Tips
The following documents contain insights, suggestions, and guidances for Ambizione applications and interviews. We highly recommend using them when writing the proposal (first stage) and – for those applicants who are invited to the interview at the SNSF – when preparing and practicing for the interview (second stage).
Application:
Tips and tricks that established researchers at the University of Bern consider key to a successful Ambizione application.
Grants Office review of recent Ambizione evaluation reports including comments from evaluators.
Interview:
Tips and tricks that established researchers at the University of Bern consider key to a successful Ambizione interview.
Grants Office summary of dos and don’ts for a successful Ambizione interview.