Are you a passionate researcher looking to make a real impact in the world of natural sciences and technology? The Austrian Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA), one of the world’s most prestigious research institutes located near Vienna, is now accepting applications for its elite 2026 ISTA-Fellow postdoctoral fellowship program. This fully funded program aims to attract top-performing (or nearing completion of) PhD researchers to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment, with access to state-of-the-art electron microscopy and nanotechnology facilities, ensuring you can fully dedicate yourself to developing your fundamental research.
1. Summary of the ISTA Austrian Institute Fellowship 2026
| Information | Details |
| Host country | Austria |
| Host Institute | Austrian Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA) |
| Level of study | training |
| Official working language | english language |
| Type of financing | Fully Funded |
| Application deadline | September 8, 2026 (85 days remaining) |
2. Financial benefits and comprehensive coverage (extraordinary salaries for outstanding employees)
The program offers a competitive financial package that is among the strongest in Europe:
- Full-time employment contract: A fully funded research position for two consecutive years .
- Annual Salary: A globally competitive annual gross salary of no less than €73,500 .
- Social protection: Full social security coverage.
- Research infrastructure: Full and unlimited access to shared scientific facilities (scientific computing, optics, nanoprocessing, NMR imaging, and Cryo-EM electron microscopy).
- Additional benefits: Free German language courses, on-campus accommodation, and a dedicated childcare facility for researchers’ children on site (subject to availability).
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3. Eligibility Requirements and Admission Criteria
- Eligible fields: The grant is open to all research fields supported at the ISTA Institute (including: natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines).
- Academic qualification: Applicants must hold a PhD by the deadline, or expect to successfully complete and defend their PhD by June 15, 2027 at the latest. (Note: The financial contract and fellowship will only be activated upon submission of the official graduation certificate).
- Exclusion note: Researchers already working within the ISTA Institute before September 1, 2026 are not eligible to apply for this program.
4. Required documents for application (Checklist)
- The research proposal should be a maximum of 5 pages.
- An academic curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages.
- A complete list of previous scientific publications and research (Publication list).
- Motivational Statement (maximum two pages).
- The complete table of ethical issues.
5. Application steps in detail
The application process for the fellowship via the institute’s digital portal proceeds according to the following steps:
- Download and carefully read the “Guide for Applicants” available on the Institute’s website to fully understand all ethical and regulatory notes.
- Create a new online account via the institute’s official application portal: ( apply.ista.ac.at ).
- Activate your account by clicking on the link sent to you directly via your email.
- Start by filling in all the required personal and research data, and uploading the five basic documents mentioned in PDF format.
- Review your application carefully, then press the submit button and finalize your approval before the crucial deadline of September 8, 2026.
