ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025-26 in Austria: Fully Funded Opportunity for Researchers

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Are you a recent PhD graduate eager to advance your research career in a world-class, interdisciplinary environment? The ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025-26 at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offer a fantastic opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research with top scientists. This fully funded, two-year program supports talented researchers in natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, and related fields. Read on to discover the eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply for this prestigious fellowship!

What is the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The ISTA-Fellow Program is designed for highly qualified postdoctoral candidates who have recently completed their PhD or equivalent. It fosters innovative basic research in an international, interdisciplinary setting at ISTA, a leading research institute in Austria. Fellows work alongside world-renowned supervisors and collaborate across disciplines, gaining access to state-of-the-art facilities and career development opportunities.

Key Features of the ISTA-Fellow Program

Duration: 2 years (fully funded)
Fields of Research: Biology, Neuroscience, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Astronomy, and related disciplines
Career Support: Access to career development training, workshops, and interdisciplinary projects
Environment: Work in a vibrant, English-speaking research community with cutting-edge facilities

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025-26, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Educational Background: Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline, or anticipate completing their PhD within ~8 months of the application deadline (by approximately March 1, 2026).
Research Experience: Candidates with at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience are also eligible if they don’t yet have a PhD.
Employment Restriction: Applicants must not be employed at ISTA as of the application deadline (June 12, 2025, for the 2025-26 cycle, based on previous cycles).
COE-Fellow Award: For those applying for the Cluster of Excellence (COE) Fellow award, the proposed project must align with ISTA’s COE program themes (e.g., Microbial Health, Quantum Science, Materials for Energy).

Note: Researchers already employed at ISTA before September 1, 2025, are not eligible.

Benefits of the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship

The ISTA-Fellow Program offers a range of benefits to support your research and personal growth:

Competitive Salary: Minimum annual salary of €72,100 (gross) with full social security coverage.
Relocation Support: A one-time relocation allowance of €2,000 (plus an additional €1,000 for researchers with families).
Housing: Access to subsidized on-campus accommodation or apartments in Vienna, subject to availability.
Research Environment: State-of-the-art facilities, including bioimaging, nanofabrication, and scientific computing resources.
Career Development: Tailored training programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to explore academic and non-academic career paths.
Family Services: On-site daycare (subject to availability) and German-language courses to help fellows integrate into Austria.
International Recognition: Opportunity to earn the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow title for eligible candidates under the IST-BRIDGE program.

Application Process

Applying for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Follow these steps:

Review the Guide for Applicants: Download the official guide from the ISTA website for detailed instructions.
Create an Account: Register on the ISTA application portal (apply.ista.ac.at) and verify your account via the email sent to you.
Prepare Required Documents:
- Research Proposal: Maximum 5 pages (excluding references), outlining your two-year work plan.
- CV: Maximum 2 pages, including a publication list.
- Motivation Statement: Maximum 2 pages, explaining your career goals and interest in ISTA.
- Diploma/Proof of PhD: A copy of your PhD diploma or proof of successful defense (required before the fellowship contract is issued).
Submit Application: Complete all mandatory fields and upload documents in PDF format before the deadline.
Application Deadline: September 16, 2025
Selection Process: Top-ranked candidates will be invited for a remote interview 4–7 weeks after the deadline. All applicants will be notified of the outcome within 4 months.

Important: Do not include letters of tombée from nominated hosts or external supervisors, and they should not be listed as referees. For more details follow the official website: ISTA Fellow

Additional Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to the ISTA-Fellow Program, ISTA offers two other prestigious postdoctoral programs:

1. IST-BRIDGE Postdoctoral Program

Focus: International, interdisciplinary research with optional secondments to global BRIDGE Network partners (e.g., Francis Crick Institute, Rockefeller University).
Eligibility: Similar to ISTA-Fellow but with a mobility requirement (applicants must not have resided in Austria for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the deadline).
Benefits: Minimum salary of €61,000 (gross), relocation allowance, and access to a flexible career-tracks training program.
Contact: Email ist-bridge@ista.ac.at for inquiries.

2. NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program

Focus: Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of two or more scientific disciplines, co-supervised by two group leaders from different fields.
Eligibility: Open to candidates with a PhD and preferably some postdoctoral or interdisciplinary experience. Internal applicants must not have been employed at ISTA for more than 12 months at the deadline.
Benefits: Freedom to pursue innovative projects with mentorship from leading scientists.
Contact: Check the ISTA website for updates on the 2025 application cycle.

Why Choose ISTA?

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a hub for groundbreaking research, with over two-thirds of its faculty holding ERC grants. The institute promotes collaboration across small to medium-sized research groups, ensuring personalized mentorship. Fellows benefit from:

Access to advanced facilities like bioimaging and nanofabrication.
A vibrant, English-speaking international community.
Support for visa applications and integration into Austria.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Contact the ISTA Grant Office (grants@ista.ac.at) at least one month before the deadline for feedback on your proposal.
Tailor Your Proposal: Clearly align your research with ISTA’s supported fields or COE themes for COE-Fellow awards.
Be Concise: Stick to the page limits for your CV, proposal, and motivation statement.
Check Deadlines: Verify the exact deadline for the 2025-26 cycle on the ISTA website (ista.ac.at).

Contact Information

For questions about the ISTA-Fellow Program, email ista-fellow@ista.ac.at. For IST-BRIDGE inquiries, contact ist-bridge@ista.ac.at. Visit the official ISTA website (https://ista.ac.at/en/education/postdocs/) for detailed information and updates.

Final Thoughts

The ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025-26 offer an unparalleled opportunity to advance your research career in a dynamic, international environment. With full funding, access to cutting-edge facilities, and robust career support, this program is ideal for ambitious researchers ready to push the boundaries of science. Don’t miss the chance to join ISTA’s global network of innovative scholars—start preparing your application today!

For more scholarship opportunities, keep exploring our website, and stay tuned for updates on other global research programs!