Overview
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria - ISTA is looking for highly qualified candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to apply for the PhD program. We offer fully-funded PhD positions in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry & Materials, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics, in a world-class research environment on the outskirts of Vienna.
In 2019, ISTA was ranked #3 in the world-wide Nature Index ranking (normalized). In 2018, ISTA was ranked within the top ten of Nature Index Rising Stars “Top 30 academic institutions under 30” list.
All students are offered 5-year contracts, they receive internationally competitive salaries, and full social security coverage. There is also financial support for students for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
The application deadline is January 8, 2026 (2:59 PM, CET) for a PhD start date in September 2026.
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Join our Virtual Student Open Day
The Virtual Open Day is a great opportunity to explore our programs and campus virtually, wherever you are. The program includes a range of live sessions from the Graduate School Office, academics and students. You can find out about the PhD program, the ISTA research experience, the support services, the ISTA campus, and much more by attending one of the talks.
Highlights
* International and Diverse Scientific Community — Our scientists hail from over 80 nationalities and come from top global institutes and universities.
* English-Speaking — English is used throughout the institute as the language of instruction and communication.
* Interdisciplinary — The Graduate Program emphasizes interdisciplinarity with modern training.
* Cutting-edge Research Training — Students work with outstanding faculty within small research groups and have access to first-rate facilities.
* Entry with a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree — We welcome applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s in science.
* Funding — The Grant Office supports external funding applications; all PhD students are offered 5-year contracts and are fully funded until defense, with additional support for conferences/workshops.
* Careers — Mentorship and career development programs, Career Services, and regular talks on research commercialization.
Skills/Qualifications
ISTA welcomes students with different academic backgrounds who can bring their skills and experiences to the scientific setting. Students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry & Materials, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics are encouraged to apply. ISTA processes applications for its PhD program once a year. To apply, you have to create an online account to track your application through its various stages.
WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED?
We ask you to upload the following documents to the application portal:
* CV
* Statement of purpose that explains your research experience and your motivation for applying to the ISTA PhD program. It should be 1-2 pages maximum. In your statement, specify up to three research groups you find the most interesting. At this stage you do not need to contact potential supervisors.
* University transcripts and diplomas of all degree programs and all years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (in English and in original language)
* Contact information of 3 referees
All documents have to be submitted in English and copies of university transcripts also in their original language.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
ISTA cherishes diversity in personalities, backgrounds, experiences and thoughts among all our employees. Diversity creates a workplace that enables employees to gain new ideas and insights and that will take science into exciting new directions. ISTA is committed to equal opportunities and social equity, regardless of age, gender (identity), ethnicity, race, social/cultural background, creed, religion, sexual orientation, and physical/cognitive abilities. Please see our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion web page for more information.
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