The VIP3 Postdoc Program 2026 is a fully funded, three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC) in Austria, designed for researchers from diverse backgrounds, including life sciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics. It promotes interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects under a unique three-mentor scheme, aiming to serve as a stepping stone toward an independent scientific career.
The program is hosted by the Vienna BioCenter, an English-speaking campus with outstanding research infrastructure. It is co-funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and provides a structured training and career development environment alongside comprehensive benefits for fellows.
VIP3 Postdoc Program 2026 Benefits
- Three-year fellowship
- Yearly gross salary of 87,220 EUR
- Full health insurance plan
- Additional support for each child (130-200 EUR per month)
- Social security, including fully paid maternity and parental leave
- Pension contribution and accident insurance
- Tax deductions for single-income families
- Structured training and career development program
- Outstanding research infrastructure
- Highly subsidised child-care centre
VIP3 Postdoc Program Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a PhD degree by the application deadline in a relevant area
- The proposed scientific project must be interdisciplinary, combining the expertise of two VBC research groups
- At least one (co-)first-author original research publication or preprint
- Must fulfil the MSCA ‘mobility rule’ (not resided/carried out main activity in Austria for >12 months in the 3 years before the deadline)
- Background in life sciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, or bioinformatics
How to Apply for VIP3 Postdoc Program
- Submit all application material by email to vip-3[at]vbc.ac.at
- Include personal information: name, contact details, current place of education/employment
- Provide a CV (up to 2 pages) including education and scientific training
- List 5 keywords for the areas of the research proposal
- Write a description of major past achievements and impact (½ page)
- Provide a statement of research motivation and interests (½ page)
- Submit an abstract of the research proposal (max. ½ page)
- Prepare a research proposal bridging at least two research groups (max. 3 pages including references)
- Include a statement on the expected broader impact beyond scientific output (½ page)
- Provide contact details of two referees
- List reviewers to be excluded (if applicable)
- Combine all documents, including the filled application form, in a single PDF file named ‘VIP3 2025 LASTNAME.pdf’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the VIP3 Postdoc Program. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in Austria.
What is the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
The VIP3 Postdoc Program is a three-year, fully funded postdoctoral fellowship at the Vienna BioCenter in Austria. It is open to candidates with backgrounds in life sciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics. The program promotes interdisciplinary research under a three-mentor scheme and aims to be a stepping stone toward an independent career.
What are the benefits of the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
Fellows receive a yearly gross salary of 87,220 EUR, full health insurance, additional child support, social security including paid maternity/parental leave, pension contributions, and accident insurance. The program also provides a structured training and career development program, outstanding research infrastructure, and access to a subsidized childcare center.
Who is eligible to apply for the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field by the application deadline. The proposed project must be interdisciplinary, combining expertise from two VBC research groups. Applicants need at least one (co-)first-author publication or preprint and must meet the MSCA mobility rule (not resided in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the deadline).
What is the application deadline for the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
The application deadline for the VIP3 Postdoc Program is 31 May 2026. The call opens on 1 March 2026. All application materials must be submitted by email by this date.
How do I apply for the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
Applications must be submitted by email to vip-3[at]vbc.ac.at. Required documents include personal information, a CV, research proposal, abstracts, statements of achievement and motivation, contact details for two referees, and a list of excluded reviewers. All documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
What is the duration of the VIP3 Postdoc fellowship?
The VIP3 Postdoc fellowship has a duration of three years. It is a full-time, fully funded position at the Vienna BioCenter.
What is the three-mentor scheme in the VIP3 Program?
The three-mentor scheme involves fellows conducting a joint research project between two VBC host group leaders. A third, external mentor is selected from the VBC networks (alumni, collaborators, international partners) to provide cross-disciplinary insights and broaden the fellow’s scientific and professional network.
Is the VIP3 Postdoc Program open to international applicants?
Yes, the program is open to candidates worldwide, subject to the MSCA mobility rule. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline.
What funding supports the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
The VIP3 program is co-funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), specifically the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No. 101217025.
What research areas are supported by the VIP3 Postdoc Program?
The program supports interdisciplinary research projects bridging at least two VBC research groups. Eligible backgrounds include life sciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics.
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