ISTA Fellow Postdoctoral Program 2026

ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program 2026 – Fully Funded Research in Austria

The ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers fully funded two-year fellowships for highly qualified postdoctoral researchers in the natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, and related disciplines.

If you are eager to pursue innovative basic research in an international environment alongside world-class faculty, this prestigious program provides an exceptional opportunity to advance your scientific career. For more opportunities across Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students.

About the ISTA-Fellow Program

The ISTA-Fellow program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is designed to support excellent postdoctoral researchers across all scientific disciplines at ISTA.

The program follows a bottom-up approach, allowing fellows to propose their own research projects within the scientific fields represented on campus, including Biology, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Data and Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Astronomy. Fellows are affiliated with a host research group at ISTA, ensuring close mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The institute is a growing international center for frontier research, located on a modern campus near Vienna, with an English-speaking, multicultural working environment.

Financial Benefits and Working Conditions

ISTA-Fellows receive two-year, full-time employment contracts with an internationally competitive salary and full social security coverage. The program provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive Salary: Minimum gross yearly salary of €73,500

• Full Social Security Coverage: Health insurance, pension insurance, and other benefits

• Project Budget: Basic budget for project-specific costs such as consumables, travel, conference fees, and external services

• Research Environment: Access to cutting-edge shared scientific facilities, including scientific computing, imaging and optics, (cryo-) electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, a machine shop, and an NMR facility

• On-Campus Accommodation: Temporary housing available for incoming fellows from abroad

• Childcare Services: On-site daycare for children from 3 months of age (subject to availability)

• German Language Courses: Offered on campus to help fellows integrate

• Visa Support: Provided by ISTA's International Office

• Career Development: Access to professional development programs, including communication and leadership training

For similar prestigious research opportunities in Austria, check the latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in the natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, or any related discipline, or anticipate completing their PhD degree before the start of the fellowship (no later than 15 June 2027)

• Have completed their PhD within the last 4 years prior to the call deadline

• Not have been employed at ISTA before 1 September 2026

• Researchers of all nationalities are eligible to apply

Important Deadlines

The closing date for the 2026 Call for Proposals is 8 September 2026. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications no later than 4 months after the application deadline.

How to Apply

The application process is conducted online. Applicants must:

1. Carefully review the Guide for Applicants available on the ISTA website

2. Create an account at the ISTA application portal

3. Verify the account by following the instructions sent via email

4. Complete the application by entering all required information and uploading all required documents

5. Submit the application before the deadline

Applicants will need to prepare a research proposal, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and contact information for references. Should you have questions on the ISTA-Fellow application process, you can contact the program team at ista-fellow@ista.ac.at.

Why Choose the ISTA-Fellow Program?

The ISTA-Fellow Program offers a unique opportunity to conduct independent research in a world-class environment. Fellows benefit from:

• Intellectual Freedom: The bottom-up approach allows fellows to pursue their own research ideas

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: ISTA's research spans multiple disciplines, fostering collaboration across fields

• Excellent Infrastructure: Access to modern laboratories and shared scientific facilities

• Career Growth: Build a strong research profile with the support of experienced mentors

• International Environment: Work alongside researchers from around the world in an English-speaking setting

For a broader view of funding options in Austria, refer to financial aids for students in Europe.

Final Thoughts

The ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program represents a prestigious opportunity to launch an independent research career at one of Europe's leading research institutes. With its generous funding, world-class infrastructure, and supportive international community, this program provides an ideal environment for postdoctoral researchers to push the frontiers of science.

If you are an exceptional researcher with a strong publication record and a compelling research vision, consider applying before the 8 September 2026 deadline. For a comprehensive list of research opportunities, see the list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Apply Now for ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program