ISTA-Fellow: Postdoctoral Program

Klosterneuburg, Austria

Are you eager to perform innovative basic research in an international environment? Do you want to push the frontiers of science and go beyond the scientific norms together with supervisors and colleagues that are among the best in the world?

The ISTA-Fellow program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers fully funded (two-year) postdoctoral fellowships for highly qualified candidates who have completed or will soon complete their PhD or equivalent in the natural or computer sciences, mathematics or any related discipline.

Benefits of the ISTA-Fellow fellowships

• International, Interdisciplinary, and Intersectoral fellowship program
• 2-year, fully funded postdoctoral position

Eligibility

All research fields supported at ISTA will be eligible (see https://ista.ac.at/en/research). At the date of the respective call deadline, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) or anticipate completing their PhD degree before the start of their fellowship (no later than 15/06/2026). A fellowship contract will not be issued until a copy of the diploma/proof of successful defense is provided. Researchers already employed at ISTA before September 1, 2025 are not eligible to apply.

Call deadline: September 16, 2025

See ‘How to apply’ section below for the Guide for Applicants and application links. Should you have questions on the ISTA-Fellow application process, please see the FAQ section below or contact: ista-fellow@ista.ac.at

Working conditions

Funding: ISTA-Fellows receive 2-year, full time employment contracts with an internationally competitive salary (min. 72,100 EUR gross) and full social security coverage.

Research Environment: Fellow projects will be carried out in a unique setting: a modern campus where shared scientific facilities concentrate cutting-edge equipment and scientific expertise in scientific computing, imaging and optics, (cryo-) electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, a machine shop, and a NMR facility.

Family Services: ISTA has an onsite daycare. Reserving a spot in the daycare is subject to availability.

Housing: Providing incoming fellows from abroad time to find more permanent housing on-campus accommodation can be rented (subject to availability).

Language: The official language of the institute is English. In order to help fellows integrate in the host country, ISTA offers German-language courses on campus.

How to apply (incl. downloads)

Application Process: Overview

1. Download and carefully review the Guide for Applicants (below)
2. Create an account at apply.ista.ac.at
3. Verify your account by following the instructions contained within the email sent to you.
4. Complete the application by entering all required information and uploading all required documents (see Guide for Applicants).
5. Submit your application.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications no later than 4 months after the application deadline (including reserve list status where relevant).