The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has officially opened applications for the prestigious ISTA-Fellow 2026 Program, offering fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowships for outstanding early-career researchers from around the world.

The fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to conduct frontier basic research in a highly international and interdisciplinary environment alongside some of the world's leading scientists. Researchers from the natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is 8 September 2026.

About the ISTA-Fellow Program

The ISTA-Fellow Program is an international postdoctoral fellowship initiative designed to attract highly talented researchers to pursue innovative and independent research projects at ISTA.

The program supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers who are eager to:

Conduct cutting-edge basic research
Collaborate with world-leading scientists
Build international research networks
Develop independent research careers
Work in a highly interdisciplinary environment

The fellowship is structured as an:

International fellowship
Interdisciplinary fellowship
Intersectoral research program

allowing fellows to engage with a broad scientific community across multiple disciplines.

About ISTA

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is one of Europe’s fastest-growing research institutes and is internationally recognized for excellence in fundamental science.

Located near Vienna, Austria, ISTA hosts researchers from more than 80 countries and focuses exclusively on curiosity-driven basic research.

Research at ISTA spans:

Biology
Neuroscience
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Computer Science
Data Science
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Biology
Systems Biology
Artificial Intelligence

The institute emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific excellence.

Eligible Research Fields

Applications are welcome from all research areas represented at ISTA.

Eligible disciplines include:

Life Sciences

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Genetics
Evolutionary Biology
Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Systems Biology

Physical Sciences

Physics
Chemistry
Materials Science

Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Statistics

Computer Sciences

Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Computational Biology
Theoretical Computer Science
Data Science

Researchers from related disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits

The ISTA-Fellow Program offers one of the most attractive postdoctoral packages in Europe.

Fully Funded Employment

Successful candidates receive:

A full-time employment contract
Complete social security coverage
Internationally competitive salary

Salary

Minimum €73,500 gross per year

Additional benefits may apply depending on personal circumstances and Austrian employment regulations.

Two-Year Fellowship

Each fellowship provides:

Full funding for 2 years
Dedicated research support
Access to advanced scientific facilities
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration

World-Class Research Infrastructure

One of the major strengths of ISTA is its exceptional scientific infrastructure.

Fellows gain access to:

Advanced Imaging Facilities

High-resolution microscopy
Optical imaging systems

Electron Microscopy

Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM)
Advanced electron imaging

Scientific Computing

High-performance computing resources
Data science infrastructure

Nanotechnology Facilities

Nanofabrication laboratories
Precision instrumentation

Research Support Platforms

NMR facilities
Machine shops
Pre-clinical research facilities

These shared facilities provide access to technologies that are often unavailable at many universities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

Candidates must:

Hold a PhD (or equivalent degree), OR
Successfully defend their PhD before the fellowship begins

Researchers who have not yet completed their PhD must obtain their degree no later than:

15 June 2027

A fellowship contract cannot be issued until proof of PhD completion is provided.

Institutional Eligibility

Researchers already employed at ISTA before:

1 September 2026

are not eligible to apply.

International Environment

ISTA provides a truly international research atmosphere where English is the official working language.

Researchers benefit from:

Diverse international community
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Global networking opportunities
Research mobility support

The institute hosts scientists from numerous countries and scientific backgrounds.

Family and Relocation Support

ISTA offers extensive support for international researchers relocating to Austria.

On-Campus Childcare

The institute provides:

Onsite daycare facilities
Family-friendly working environment

Childcare spaces are subject to availability.

Housing Support

Incoming fellows may access:

Temporary on-campus accommodation

This support helps researchers settle while searching for permanent housing.

Language Training

To support integration into Austrian society, ISTA offers:

German language courses
On-campus language training opportunities

Why Apply for the ISTA-Fellow Program?

The fellowship provides several significant advantages:

Scientific Excellence

Work with internationally renowned researchers and research groups.

Research Independence

Develop and pursue innovative research ideas in a supportive environment.

Advanced Infrastructure

Access world-class facilities and technical expertise.

International Visibility

Build a strong publication record and international collaborations.

Career Development

Strengthen prospects for:

Faculty positions
Research leadership roles
Industry R&D careers
International research funding opportunities

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Carefully review the official Guide for Applicants.

Step 2: Create an account through the ISTA application portal.

Step 3 : Complete all required application sections.

Step 4: Upload required supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit the application before the deadline.

All applicants will receive notification regarding the outcome of their application within four months after the application deadline.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 8 September 2026

PhD Completion Requirement: No later than 15 June 2027

Fellowship Duration: 2 Years

Location: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Austria

Official Application Link

APPLY HERE : OFFICIAL JOB APPLICATION PORTAL

Who Should Apply?

The ISTA-Fellow Program is particularly suitable for:

Final-year PhD students
Recent PhD graduates
Early-career researchers
Scientists seeking international postdoctoral experience
Researchers interested in interdisciplinary science

Candidates with strong publication records and innovative research ideas are especially encouraged to apply.

Final Thoughts

The ISTA-Fellow 2026 Program represents one of Europe's most competitive and prestigious postdoctoral opportunities. With a fully funded two-year contract, a minimum annual salary of €73,500, access to world-class facilities, and collaboration with leading scientists, the fellowship offers an outstanding platform for launching an independent research career.

Researchers in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and related disciplines should strongly consider applying for this exceptional opportunity.

ISTA-Fellow 2026: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)