The ISTA-Fellow Scholarship 2026 in Austria offers fully funded postdoctoral fellowships for highly qualified candidates eager to perform innovative basic research in an international environment. This program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) supports researchers who have completed or will soon complete their PhD in natural or computer sciences, mathematics, or related disciplines.
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a world-renowned research institute located in Klosterneuburg, near Vienna. It provides a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including shared scientific equipment in computing, imaging, electron microscopy, and nanofabrication. ISTA fosters an interdisciplinary and international community, with English as the official language.
ISTA-Fellow Scholarship Benefits
- International, Interdisciplinary, and Intersectoral fellowship program
- 2-year, fully funded postdoctoral position
- Full time employment contracts with an internationally competitive salary (min. 73,500 EUR gross) and full social security coverage
- Access to shared scientific facilities: scientific computing, imaging and optics, (cryo-) electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, machine shop, and NMR facility
- Onsite daycare (subject to availability)
- On-campus accommodation can be rented (subject to availability)
- German-language courses on campus
ISTA-Fellow Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- All research fields supported at ISTA are eligible (see https://ist.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 15/06/2027)
- 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, 2026 are not eligible to apply
Required Documents
- Research Proposal (not more than 5 pages)
- CV or curriculum vitae (not more than 2 pages)
- Publication list
- Motivational Statement (not more than 2 pages)
- Completed Ethical Issues Table
How to Apply for ISTA-Fellow Scholarship
- Download and carefully review the Guide for Applicants
- Create an account at apply.ista.ac.at
- Verify your account by following the instructions contained within the email sent to you
- Complete the application by entering all required information and uploading all required documents (see Guide for Applicants)
- Submit your application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship?
The ISTA-Fellow Scholarship is a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). It offers a 2-year position for highly qualified candidates who have completed or will soon complete their PhD in natural or computer sciences, mathematics, or related disciplines.
What are the benefits of the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship?
Benefits include a 2-year fully funded postdoctoral position with an internationally competitive salary (min. 73,500 EUR gross), full social security coverage, access to state-of-the-art research facilities, onsite daycare, on-campus accommodation, and German-language courses.
Who is eligible to apply for the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship?
Applicants must hold a PhD or anticipate completing it before the fellowship start (no later than 15/06/2027). All research fields supported at ISTA are eligible. Researchers already employed at ISTA before September 1, 2026 are not eligible.
What is the deadline for the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship 2026?
The closing date for the 2026 Call for Proposals is September 8, 2026. Applicants must submit their application by this deadline.
How do I apply for the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship?
To apply, download and review the Guide for Applicants, create an account at apply.ista.ac.at, verify your account, complete the application with all required information and documents, and submit it before the deadline.
What is the duration of the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship?
The ISTA-Fellow Scholarship is a 2-year, fully funded postdoctoral position. Fellows receive full-time employment contracts for the duration of the fellowship.
What research fields are supported at ISTA?
All research fields supported at ISTA are eligible for the ISTA-Fellow program. You can check the specific research areas on the ISTA research page at https://ist.ac.at/en/research.
Is the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship is fully funded. It includes a 2-year employment contract with an internationally competitive salary (min. 73,500 EUR gross) and full social security coverage.
Can I apply if I am currently employed at ISTA?
No, researchers already employed at ISTA before September 1, 2026 are not eligible to apply for the ISTA-Fellow Scholarship.
What support does ISTA offer for international fellows?
ISTA offers on-campus accommodation (subject to availability), German-language courses, and an onsite daycare. The official language of the institute is English, helping international fellows integrate.
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