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, 2027 (15:00 CET) for a PhD program start date in September
2027.
Join our Virtual Student Open Day on November 18th! Link: Graduate School Homepage ISTA
The Virtual Student Open Day 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.
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 Services, which provide career development advice and training.
We also provide xista, an in-house science venture that supports researchers in the commercial
development and use of their research results.
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 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion web page for more information.
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
The selection committee uses a collection of indicators to evaluate the applicant’s preparedness,
motivation, and potential. The following will be considered:
Scientific Promise:
- Undergraduate performance: overall, with a special focus on relevant field-specific courses
- Reference letters provided by professors and senior scientists: one letter from industry is acceptable, but letters from an academic background are given priority. Referees are asked to address analytical capabilities, technical proficiency, ability to work independently and motivation/commitment
- Statement of purpose: the applicant’s past research experience and motivation for applying to this particular PhD program: is it a good academic fit? Does the program contribute to the candidate’s future career plans?, etc.
- Additional relevant skills (field-specific): demonstrated by internships and/or participation in research projects, participation in science Olympiads, programming languages, lab techniques, etc.
Background:
- Quality of the undergraduate background
- Transferable skills: communication skills, experience with working in teams, previous
mobility and international experiences, leadership experience as demonstrated in student
organizations, etc. - Diversity: e.g. a woman in computer science/math/physics; an applicant who switched fields,
etc.
ISTA processes applications for its PhD program once a year. To apply, you have to create an online
account, which will allow you 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 must be submitted in English. Copies of university transcripts must be in both English
and in their original language. The application deadline is January 8, 2027 (15:00 CET).
