Applications are now open for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 for outstanding researchers seeking to advance their careers in an international research environment.
The ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship is a fully funded two-year research program that offers a full-time employment contract, a minimum annual salary of €73,500, comprehensive social security benefits, and funding for research-related expenses. Selected fellows will conduct cutting-edge research at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) using world-class scientific facilities.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
- Host Country: Austria
- Category: Fellowships | Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Fully Funded | Minimum €73,500 Annual Salary | Full Social Security | Research Funding | Visa Support
- Deadline: September 8, 2026
Scholarship Details
The ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships provide exceptional researchers with the opportunity to conduct innovative multidisciplinary research in one of Europe’s leading scientific institutions. The two-year fellowship is designed for scholars in Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, and related fields who are interested in pursuing groundbreaking research alongside internationally recognized scientists. Fellows will work in a collaborative research environment equipped with advanced scientific infrastructure, including facilities for scientific computing, imaging and optics, electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, machine workshops, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
In addition to receiving a competitive salary and comprehensive research support, fellows will benefit from an inclusive academic environment that promotes professional growth and work-life balance. The fellowship also offers access to on-campus accommodation (subject to availability), childcare services, German-language courses, and visa assistance, enabling participants to focus fully on their research while building valuable international collaborations.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships, applicants must:
- Conduct research in a field supported by ISTA.
- Hold a PhD degree or expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins (no later than June 15, 2027).
- Provide proof of PhD completion or successful dissertation defense before receiving a fellowship contract.
- Not be employed by ISTA before September 1, 2026.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships will receive:
- A fully funded two-year fellowship.
- A full-time employment contract.
- A minimum gross annual salary of €73,500.
- Full social security coverage and employee benefits.
- Funding for:
- Travel expenses.
- Conference fees.
- Membership fees.
- Research consumables.
- SSU costs.
- External service expenses.
- Access to world-class research laboratories and scientific equipment.
- Support and mentorship from an ISTA faculty supervisor.
- Visa support through the ISTA International Office.
- On-campus accommodation (subject to availability).
- Onsite daycare services for children (subject to availability).
- Free German-language courses.
Required Documents
To apply for this fellowship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- 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 Relevant Supporting Documents.
- Three Reference Letters/References.
How to Apply
To apply for the ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- Visit the fellowship application webpage.
- Register by creating a new account.
- Verify your account through the confirmation email.
- Complete your personal information.
- Enter the details of your PhD program.
- Provide your academic and employment history.
- Contact a prospective faculty supervisor, obtain their agreement, and provide their details.
- Enter your research project title, scientific abstract, and answer the required research questions.
- Upload all required documents according to the specified formatting guidelines.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Kindly wait for feedback.
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