Applications Now Open for ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026 in Austria (Fully Funded)

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has now opened the applications for its highly competitive Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026. The fully funded fellowship is available to international PhD holders in any field to conduct independent research in Austria for two years.

Located inixture Klosterneuburg, near Vienna, ISTA provides an interdisciplinary research setting and advanced equipment. Work is underway on a full-time basis with a gross annual salary of €72,100 and prolonged social security.

Fellowships should be completed by September 15, 2025.

Fellowship Benefits:

Duration: 2 years

Stipend: €72,100 per year

Location: ISTA campus, Klosterneuburg, Austria

Other Benefits:

Full social security

Project-related travel allowance (airfare/train/bus)

Food and local transport expenses during travel

Support with visa

On-campus housing and a children's day-care facility

Who Is Eligible?

ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship is available to students of all countries in the world. Nominees for the Award should either:

Possess a PhD or its equivalent by the date of deadline (September 16, 2025), or

Expect to receive their PhD by not later than June 15, 2026

The contract of finalization will only be created upon presentation of the PhD diploma or completion of the successful defense.

Fields of Research

All of the areas covered by ISTA are applicable. The entire list of the research areas is given at ISTA Research Fields.

Documents to be submitted:

CV and academic biography

Research proposal

Statement of motivation

Completed Ethics Self-Assessment Form

PhD degree (in case of possession)

Three letters of recommendation

Other supporting documents as relevant

Procedure of application

Applications should be submitted online from the ISTA official website. Future applicants are advised to read the application guidelines carefully prior to making an application.

With its strong infrastructure backing, team culture, and scientific focus, ISTA attracts one of the most coveted postdoctoral appointments for young researchers in Europe.