Fully Funded PhD Positions in Science and Technology

About the role

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers fully funded PhD positions in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry & Materials, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience and Physics. The programme is taught in English, is interdisciplinary and takes place on the outskirts of Vienna. Applications are processed once a year.

Required profile

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in one of the listed fields. Selection is based on scientific promise (undergraduate performance, especially in relevant courses), reference letters from professors and senior scientists, a statement of purpose covering research experience and motivation, additional field-specific skills such as programming languages or lab techniques, transferable skills and diversity.

Application materials

• CV
• Statement of purpose (1-2 pages, naming up to three research groups)
• University transcripts and diplomas in English and in the original language
• Contact details of three referees

All documents must be submitted in English through the online application portal, which allows tracking of the application. The deadline is 8 January 2027 (15:00 CET).

What we offer

• 5-year contracts with internationally competitive salaries and full social security coverage
• Funding for all students making reasonable progress until the thesis defence
• Financial support for scientific conferences and workshops
• Mentorship, career development and transferable skills training, plus a science venture supporting commercialisation of research results