Key information
Duration
Full-time, 54 months (~4.5 – 6 years; all students receive 5-year employment contracts).
Start dates & application deadlines
Starting September 2027. Apply before January 2027. The application deadline is January 2027 for a PhD program start date in September 2027.
Language
English
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Klosterneuburg, Austria
Disciplines
Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Sciences
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 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 for a PhD program start date in September 2027.
- 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.
Join our Virtual Student Open Day on November 18!
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.
Programme Structure
The PhD program comprises two phases:
PHASE I
When joining the program, students are not part of a research group.
In Phase I, students:
- Do three rotations with different professors
- Find a PhD supervisor (professor at ISTA)
- Form a thesis committee
- Pass a qualifying exam
- Fulfill course and credit requirements
PHASE II
In Phase II, students mostly work on research towards a PhD thesis. They work closely with their supervisor and research group, to produce original research of the highest standard, and make significant contributions to the understanding of a specific topic.
Students are expected to offer teaching assistance. They also have biannual progress reviews as well as give annual presentations on their research.
The thesis defense consists of a public presentation of the draft thesis, followed by questions and answers on the thesis.
Once a final thesis is submitted and accepted by the thesis committee, the PhD degree is awarded by the Institute.
Audience
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.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA (Required) – Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses on average. Usually a GPA scales between 1.0 and 4.0, however different countries and universities can have different grading systems. They do not have a fixed GPA requirement for applicants. However the GPA of successful candidates typically is in the top quartile of their field of study.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
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.
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): Free
- EU/EEA (EU/EEA Nationals): Free
Additional Details – All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage.
Living costs
Klosterneuburg, Austria: 1,294-1,942 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
In all fields of research, funding is a very important topic. ISTA relies on diverse funding sources to support all its researchers. The Grant Office is there to support ISTA scientists who would like to apply for external funding.
All PhD students are offered 5-year employment contracts. All students making reasonable progress are fully funded until the time of their thesis defense.
Students also receive financial support to attend scientific conferences and workshops during their studies.
