The ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program 2026 offers fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowships at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. The programme is designed for 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.
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
Application Deadline: 8 September 2026, 14:00 CEST
Eligible Applicants: Candidates with a PhD or equivalent, or candidates expected to complete it before the fellowship starts
About the ISTA-Fellow Postdoctoral Program 2026
The ISTA-Fellow programme supports postdoctoral researchers across scientific disciplines represented at ISTA. Fellows are affiliated with a host research group and carry out their own research project within the scientific environment of the institute.
The programme uses a bottom-up approach. This means fellows propose their own research projects while aligning their work with the expertise of an ISTA host supervisor. Confirmed research areas include Biology, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Data and Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Science.
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Fellowship Benefits and Funding
Selected ISTA-Fellows receive a two-year, full-time employment contract. The official information confirms that fellows receive an internationally competitive salary and full social security coverage.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Two-year, full-time employment contract
✓ Minimum gross salary of EUR 73,500
✓ Full social security coverage
✓ Basic budget for project-specific costs
✓ Access to shared scientific facilities
✓ On-campus German-language courses
✓ Possible on-campus accommodation for rent, subject to availability
✓ On-site daycare, subject to availability
The project-specific budget may support items such as consumables, travel, conference fees, membership fees, internal Scientific Service Unit costs, and external services.
Research Environment at ISTA
Fellow projects are carried out on the ISTA campus. The official page describes a research setting with shared scientific facilities and expertise in scientific computing, imaging and optics, electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, a machine shop, and NMR.
Fellows work with a host research group at ISTA. Applicants must make sure their proposed research fits the interests and expertise of the selected host group.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements for the ISTA-Fellow programme.
• Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent by the call deadline, or expect to complete it before the fellowship starts.
• The PhD degree must be completed no later than 15 June 2027.
• A fellowship contract will not be issued until proof of diploma or successful defense is provided.
• Researchers already employed at ISTA before 1 September 2026 are not eligible.
• The proposed project must align with the expertise of the selected host supervisor at ISTA.
• All ISTA research groups are eligible except Astronomy groups.
Successful fellowships should begin between 15 December 2026 and 15 June 2027, unless otherwise stated in the award letter.
Application Requirements
Applicants complete the application through the online application system. The official guide lists several required sections and documents.
• Personal data and expected PhD conferral or defense date
• PhD education details
• Current academic or professional affiliation
• Host supervisor information
• Project title of up to 100 characters
• Scientific abstract of up to 300 words
• Project keywords
• Research proposal of up to 4 pages, excluding references
• CV of up to 2 pages and publication list
• Summary of previous achievements of 1 page
• Fully completed ethics self-assessment form
• 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.
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Research Proposal Structure
The research proposal must follow the official structure. It should contain four sections using the required headings.
• Project Vision
• Methodology/Approach
• Impact
• Scientific Match
The proposal should explain the research context, planned approach, potential impact, and fit with the selected ISTA host group.
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Selection Process
Complete applications that pass the initial eligibility check are evaluated by the Selection Committee and faculty reviewers.
The evaluation considers:
• Scientific excellence of the proposal
• Scientific excellence of the applicant
• Scientific match with the host group
• Applicant expertise and ability to lead the project
• CV, scientific achievements, and reference letters
Final fellowship awards are made after discussion and ranking by the Selection Committee. Up to 10 fellowships will be awarded under ISTA-Fellow. Applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than four months after the application deadline.
How to Submit an Application
Applicants should use the official online application platform.
• Create an account on the application system.
• Verify the account through the confirmation email.
• Complete the application form.
• Enter all required information.
• Upload the required documents.
• Submit the application before the deadline.
Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered by the Selection Committee.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
