The ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program 2026 is a fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. The programme supports highly qualified candidates who have completed, or will soon complete, a PhD or equivalent in the natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline. The closing date for the 2026 Call for Proposals is September 8, 2026, at 14:00 CEST.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: ISTA-Fellow: Postdoctoral Program
Category: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Host: Institute of Science and Technology Austria
Country: Austria
Duration: Two years
Funding Status: Fully funded postdoctoral position
Application Deadline: September 8, 2026, 14:00 CEST
Eligible Applicants: Candidates with a PhD or equivalent, or candidates expecting to complete it before the fellowship starts
About the ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program 2026
The ISTA-Fellow programme supports postdoctoral researchers who want to conduct basic research in a collaborative scientific environment at ISTA. Fellows are affiliated with a host research group that provides the scientific setting, infrastructure, and mentorship for the proposed project.
The programme follows a bottom-up approach. Fellows may propose their own research project within the scientific fields represented on campus, including biology, neuroscience, mathematics, data and computer science, physics, chemistry, Earth science, and astronomy.
You may like: NPGH LEADERs LAUNCH Fellowship Program 2027–2028
What the Fellowship Offers
The official page confirms that the ISTA-Fellow programme provides a two-year, full-time, fully funded postdoctoral position.
✓ Two-year full-time employment contract
✓ Minimum gross salary of 73,500 EUR
✓ Full social security coverage
✓ Basic budget for project-specific costs
✓ Support for consumables, travel, conference fees, membership fees, internal Scientific Service Units costs, and external services
✓ Access to shared scientific facilities and research infrastructure
✓ German-language courses on campus
✓ On-campus daycare, subject to availability
✓ On-campus accommodation for rent, subject to availability
✓ Visa support through ISTA’s International Office
Research Environment
Fellow projects are carried out at ISTA in a research setting supported by shared scientific facilities. The official page lists expertise and infrastructure in scientific computing, imaging and optics, electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, a machine shop, and an NMR facility.
The Guide for Applicants also notes that ISTA research groups are small to medium-sized and that the faculty group size limit supports close supervision. Fellows should ensure that the proposed research fits the expertise and interests of the selected host group.
Recommended:CYD Fellowships 2026 at EPFL and CYD Campus in Switzerland
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements stated for the 2026 call.
• Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent by the call deadline, or expect to complete the PhD before the fellowship starts.
• The PhD must be completed no later than 15/06/2027.
• A fellowship contract will not be issued until proof of diploma or successful defense is provided.
• Researchers already employed at ISTA before September 1, 2026 are not eligible to apply.
• The proposed project must align with the expertise of the selected ISTA host supervisor or research group.
• All ISTA research groups are eligible except Astronomy groups, according to the Guide for Applicants.
Fellowship Start Period
Successful fellowships should begin between 15/12/2026 and 15/06/2027, unless otherwise stated in the award letter.
Applicants should consider this timeline when planning their PhD completion, relocation, and proposed research schedule.
Related opportunity on GrantForYouth: ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships at ETH Zurich in Switzerland
Required Application Materials
The online application requires applicants to enter information and upload the required documents. The Guide for Applicants states that required proposal documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
Required application components include:
• Personal data and expected PhD conferral or defense date
• PhD education details
• Current academic or professional affiliation
• Host supervisor information
• Project title of maximum 100 characters including spaces
• Scientific abstract of maximum 300 words
• Up to five project keywords
• Research proposal of maximum four pages, excluding references
• CV of maximum two pages and publication list
• One-page summary of previous achievements
• Fully completed ethics self-assessment form
• Names and contact information for three referees
At least two of the three reference letters must be received by the application deadline. The potential ISTA host may not be listed as one of the referees.
Research Proposal Structure
The research proposal must follow the structure provided in the Guide for Applicants. Applicants should use the exact headings required by ISTA.
• Project Vision
• Methodology/Approach
• Impact
• Scientific Match
The proposal should explain the project context, objectives, strategy, work plan, expected outcomes, potential risks, novelty, impact, and fit with the chosen host group.
Discover:Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program 2027–2028
How to Submit an Application
Applications must be submitted through the ISTA online application platform. Applicants should create an account, verify it through the confirmation email, complete the application form, upload all required documents, and submit the application before the deadline.
The application must include all required information and documents, including reference letters. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered by the Selection Committee.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Complete applications that pass the initial eligibility check are reviewed by the Selection Committee and faculty reviewers.
Applications are evaluated based on:
• Scientific excellence of the proposal
• Scientific excellence of the applicant
• Scientific match between the applicant, the project, and the host group
Final fellowship awards are made after discussion and ranking at a Selection Committee meeting. Up to 10 fellowships will be awarded under the ISTA-Fellow programme.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than four months after the application deadline, including reserve list status where relevant.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the 2026 Call for Proposals is September 8, 2026, at 14:00 CEST.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
