Institute of Science and Technology Austria - ISTA
is a cross-disciplinary research institution that combines basic science research with graduate education. Our scientists perform theoretical and experimental research in Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Information and System Sciences. They are organized in small to medium-size research groups that interact with each other across the boundaries of traditional disciplines.
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 and was featured in this article in Nature Index.
ISTA offers excellent infrastructure, an English-speaking, internationally diverse community, and proximity to Vienna.
ISTA is looking for highly qualified candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to apply for the .
All students are offered 5-year employment contracts, they receive internationally competitive salaries, and full social security coverage. There is also financial support for students for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
Fully Funded PhD Positions in Astronomy, Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry & Materials, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is looking for highly qualified candidates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to apply for our 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.
The application deadline is January 8, 2025 for a PhD program start date in September 2025.
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Join our Virtual Student Open Day on November 20!
The is a great opportunity to explore our programs and campus virtually, wherever you are located. The program includes a range of live sessions from the Graduate School Office, academics, and students.
You can find out about our PhD program, the ISTA research experience, support services, the ISTA campus and much more by attending one of the talks.
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· International and Diverse Scientific Community
Our scientists, from professors to postdocs to students, hail from all corners of the world, representing over 80 different nationalities, and build on research and degrees earned from the finest global scientific institutes and universities.
· English-Speaking
We use English throughout the Institute as the language of instruction and communication.
· Interdisciplinary
Our Graduate Program is characterized by modern comprehensive training with a special interdisciplinary focus.
· Cutting-Edge Research Training
Students work closely with outstanding faculty within small research groups and have access to first-rate facilities. Students spend the first year completing coursework and rotations before affiliating with a group.
This first phase of exploration allows students to ensure that the research topic, as well as the research group, are the best match for them before embarking on in-depth thesis research in the second phase.
· Entry with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree
We welcome students with a Bachelor’s or a Master’s in science to apply for our PhD program.
· Funding
All PhD students are offered 5-year contracts. All students making reasonable progress are fully funded until the time of their thesis defense.
ISTA relies on diverse funding sources to support all its researchers. Our Grant Office supports ISTA scientists who would like to apply for external funding. Students also receive financial support to attend scientific conferences and workshops.
· Careers
Our distinguished alumni have gone on to successful careers after their PhD studies at ISTA.
PhD students receive support through our mentorship and career development programs which focus on training in transferable skills for academia and beyond. Throughout their studies, PhD students are supported by Career , which provide career development advice and training.
We also provide , an in-house science venture that supports researchers in the commercial development and use of their research results.
Your profile
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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.
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 for more information.