The ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026 in Austria is accepting applications. The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers this fully paid fellowship to exceptional foreign researchers who have finished or will soon finish their PhD.
The two-year fully supported postdoctoral fellowship offered by the ISTA-Fellow Program gives participants the chance to carry out cutting-edge research in a top-notch academic setting. Research projects in a variety of disciplines, such as biology, neuroscience, mathematics, data science, computer science, physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy, can be proposed by fellows.
The program offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities and expert supervision while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, international networking, and professional development. Ten ISTA Fellows and additional Cluster of Excellence (COE) Fellows will be chosen to conduct research in Austria in 2026.
For researchers looking to further their careers and contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries, this esteemed European fellowship is a fantastic chance.
Host Country: Austria
Institution: The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
Opportunity Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- All ISTA-supported research fields are welcome to apply.
- By June 15, 2027, at the latest, applicants must have earned a PhD (or an equivalent degree) or be expected to do so prior to the start of the fellowship.
- Only upon submission of the PhD diploma or official documentation of a successful thesis defense will a fellowship contract be granted.
- Applications are not accepted from researchers who worked for ISTA prior to September 1, 2026.
- All eligibility conditions listed on the official ISTA website must be fulfilled by candidates.
Benefits:
- Candidates with a variety of ethnic and international backgrounds are welcome.
- provides a two-year full-time postdoctoral position in Austria that is completely financed.
- offers full social security benefits and a minimum gross income of EUR 73,500 per year.
- has a multidisciplinary, international, and cross-sectoral research environment.
- access to cutting-edge research facilities, such as machine shops, NMR infrastructure, electron microscopy, nanofabrication, imaging and optics, scientific computers, and preclinical investigations.
- Incoming fellows may be able to find temporary accommodations on campus while they set up permanent residence.
- Fellows with families are eligible for on-site daycare services, depending on availability.
- German language classes are available on campus; however, English is the official working language.
- The chance to take in Austria’s vibrant intellectual and cultural landscape.
- allows researchers to develop international partnerships and further their careers in science.
Required Documents
- Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages)
- List of Publications
- Motivation Statement (maximum 2 pages)
- Completed Ethical Issues Table/Form
- Any additional supporting documents required by the program guidelines.
Deadline: 8 September 2026.
