A three-month research program for PhD students

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

A three-month research program for PhD students | Vienna, Austria

Advance your doctoral research and explore its relevance to global sustainability challenges. Join an international cohort of around 50 PhD researchers for three months of mentored research, interdisciplinary exchange, and professional development at IIASA.

About IIASA

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an independent, international research institute in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. We advance and apply systems analysis to understand complex challenges, explore possible futures, and inform decisions across society, the economy, and the environment. Founded in 1972 to enable scientific cooperation across political divides, IIASA brings together researchers from around the world and serves as a platform for science diplomacy, building trust and cooperation to address shared challenges.

Your summer at IIASA

Since 1977, the YSSP has brought doctoral researchers from around the world together for a summer of discovery, collaboration, and new connections at IIASA.

Over three months, you will work with your IIASA mentor on a research project that opens up new ideas and perspectives. Together, you will shape a focused project that can be accomplished during the summer. It may contribute directly to your PhD—for example, laying the groundwork for a thesis chapter or research paper—or offer an opportunity to explore a new research direction.

Your summer will extend well beyond your own project. Seminars, workshops, and talks will offer opportunities to develop your skills, explore other disciplines, and exchange ideas with fellow researchers. A dedicated social program will help you build friendships and professional connections across your cohort and the institute—relationships that can last long after the summer ends.

What will you gain?

• Academic mentorship: Develop your project with guidance and feedback from IIASA researchers.
• Interdisciplinary perspectives: Exchange ideas with scientists working across disciplines on global challenges.
• Research and professional development: Build your knowledge and skills through the YSSP training program.
• International connections: Become part of a cohort of around 50 doctoral researchers and connect with the wider IIASA community.

Requirements

We welcome applications from PhD students around the world.

You should:

• Be enrolled in a PhD program, ideally in the final 1–2 years of your PhD.
• Your field of study complements research at IIASA.
• You are able to work independently and formulate your own research questions.
• You are comfortable working and communicating in English.
• Be able to relocate to Laxenburg, Austria, for the duration of the program.
• Be available to participate full-time and in person for the 3 month program.

Find more information about the program here: https://iiasa.ac.at/early-career/yssp

Terms and conditions

• Start Date: 1st June 2027
• End Date: 27th August 2027
• Duration: 3 months
• Location: IIASA, Schlossplatz 1, 2361 Laxenburg, Austria
• Office Based
• Remote Working: No
• Home office: No
• Full Time: Yes
• IIASA's Working Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:30–17:30, Friday 08:30–15:00
• Leave: 5 days
• Working language: English

Costs and funding

Participation in the YSSP is tuition-free, and several funding options are available to help participants cover their living and travel expenses.

What funding options are available?

You can finance your participation through one or a combination of the following:

• Grants through IIASA: A number of grants are available through IIASA's Member Organizations and other funding sources, including private donations.
• External funding: Your home university, research institution, national scholarship programs, or other funding bodies may be able to support your participation.
• Self-funding: You may also participate using your own funds.

How does funding through IIASA work?

Eligible applicants are automatically considered for grants as part of the YSSP selection process. No separate funding application is required.

Most grants are provided by IIASA's Member Organizations and are available to applicants who meet their respective eligibility criteria, which may include nationality, residence, or country of study. A smaller number of fellowships, supported by private donations and other sources, may also be available to applicants who are not eligible for Member Organization funding.

IIASA is typically able to secure funding for the large majority of YSSP participants, particularly those from countries represented by IIASA Member Organizations. However, the number of grants available varies from year to year, and funding cannot be guaranteed for individual applicants.

Grants generally provide approximately €1,700 per month for three months, plus return travel costs to Vienna. Exact amounts and conditions depend on the funding source.

Do I need to have funding secured before applying?

No. You do not need to have funding secured when you submit your YSSP application.

However, we encourage you to explore possible funding sources early, alongside your YSSP application. This could include checking with your home university, research institution, or relevant scholarship providers.

As part of your application, you will be asked to indicate which funding options you have explored and how you expect to finance your participation. You do not need to have received any funding commitments at this stage.

Exploring several funding options will give you greater flexibility and help make participation possible if you are selected.

How much should you budget?

We recommend planning for approximately €1,700 per month for three months (€5,100 in total), plus return travel costs to Vienna, Austria.

This estimate covers accommodation, meals, local transport, health insurance, and other personal expenses. Actual costs will depend on your individual circumstances.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted through Onlyfy.

Please note that the Onlyfy application system does not allow progress to be saved. Applications therefore need to be completed and submitted in a single session.

We recommend preparing all the information prior to submitting your application in Onlyfy.

Please see our webpage for detailed information and the application requirements and process.

Summary of required information for application

• Personal Information
• Research Group choice
• Research Proposal
• Upload your CV, Motivation Letter and List of Publications as one single PDF file.
• References x 2

Please see our webpage for further information about the process.

Where to apply

Website: https://iiasa.ac.at/capacity-development/open-calls

Requirements

• Research Field: All
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
• Country: Austria

Contact

City: A-2361 Laxenburg, near Vienna
Website: http://www.iiasa.ac.at
Street: Schlossplatz 1
E-Mail: knights@iiasa.ac.at