Applications are now open for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in Austria. This fully funded fellowship is offered by the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). It is an excellent opportunity for outstanding researchers to conduct cutting-edge research in a highly international and multidisciplinary environment. Fellows will receive a 2-year full-time employment contract with a minimum gross annual salary of €73,500 along with full social security benefits. Researchers will collaborate with leading scientists while using world-class research facilities and advanced scientific equipment.

🔆Program Overview

✅ Host Country: Austria
✅ Host Institution: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
✅ Program Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
✅ Duration: 2 Years
✅ Funding Type: Fully Funded
✅ Salary: Minimum €73,500 Gross per Year
✅ Eligible Fields: Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, and related disciplines

🔆Benefits

✅ Fully funded 2-year postdoctoral fellowship.
✅ Full-time employment contract with a minimum gross annual salary of €73,500.
✅ Comprehensive social security coverage and employment benefits.
✅ Funding for:

• Travel expenses

• Conference fees

• Membership fees

• Research consumables

• SSU costs

• External service expenses
  ✅ Direct supervision and mentorship from an ISTA faculty member.
  ✅ Access to state-of-the-art research facilities including:

• Scientific computing

• Imaging and optics

• Cryo-electron microscopy

• Nanofabrication

• Pre-clinical research facilities

• Machine shop

• NMR facility
  ✅ Temporary on-campus accommodation (subject to availability).
  ✅ Onsite daycare facilities for children (subject to availability).
  ✅ Visa support provided by ISTA’s International Office.
  ✅ Free on-campus German language courses.

🔆Eligibility Criteria

✅ Applicants must conduct research in fields supported by ISTA.
✅ Applicants must already hold a PhD or complete their PhD before the fellowship starts (no later than 15 June 2027).
✅ Proof of PhD completion or successful thesis defense must be provided before the fellowship contract is issued.
✅ Researchers employed at ISTA before 1 September 2026 are not eligible to apply.

🔆How to apply

✅ Create a new applicant account.
✅ Verify your email address.
✅ Complete your personal information.
✅ Enter details of your PhD program.
✅ Fill in your academic and employment history.
✅ Contact an ISTA faculty supervisor and obtain their agreement before listing them in your application.
✅ Submit your research project title and scientific abstract.
✅ Answer the required research-related questions.
✅ Upload all required documents according to the application guidelines.
✅ Review your application carefully before final submission.

🔆Require documents

✅ Research Proposal
✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV)
✅ Academic Summary
✅ Motivation Statement
✅ Completed Ethics Self-Assessment Form
✅ PhD Diploma and Academic Transcripts (optional during the application stage)
✅ Other supporting documents (if applicable)
✅ Three Reference Letters / References

🔆Deadline

✅ Application Deadline: 8 September 2026