NOMIS-ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowship Program: Austria764 Views

NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program: Advancing Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Research in Austria

The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program offers an extraordinary opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to advance innovative, cross-disciplinary projects in a world-class scientific environment. Jointly hosted by the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and supported by the NOMIS Foundation, this program is designed to support research that defies conventional academic boundaries. A defining feature of this fellowship is its dual mentorship model, which pairs fellows with one mentor from ISTA and a second, external mentor if additional disciplinary expertise is required. This unique format fosters genuine interdisciplinary collaboration and academic growth.

Pursue bold interdisciplinary research at the prestigious ISTA with the fully funded NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship. This 3-year postdoctoral program empowers early-career researchers to explore high-impact ideas with dual mentorship and world-class infrastructure in Austria.

Fellowship Objectives and Scope

The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship seeks to cultivate transformative research by enabling fellows to explore problems at the intersection of two or more disciplines. Eligible research areas span ISTA’s core domains:

• • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics

  • Biology

  • Neuroscience

  • Computer Science

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that creatively integrate methodologies or theoretical frameworks from multiple fields. In cases where ISTA does not currently house expertise in a particular discipline, the program allows the inclusion of an external co-mentor, ensuring the fellow receives a comprehensive and well-rounded academic experience. This structure supports ambitious, high-risk ideas that may not fit traditional funding models.

Fellowship Duration and Timeline

Each fellowship is granted for a three-year period, allowing fellows to fully develop their research vision and build a strong academic trajectory. The program supports:

• • Minimum annual gross salary: €75,586

  • Two fellowship awards annually

  • Two-stage selection process: Application and interview

  • Application deadline: Mid-September (e.g., September 18 in past cycles)

  • Fellowship start window: Must begin within six months of offer

The generous funding duration provides not only stability but also the flexibility required for impactful interdisciplinary research.

Financial and Professional Benefits

The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship offers an outstanding package of support that positions researchers for long-term academic success. Key components include:

1. Fully Funded Fellowship

• • Annual gross salary aligned with European standards

  • Dedicated research and travel budget for fieldwork, collaborations, and international conferences

2. Dual Mentorship Model

• • Internal mentor from ISTA

  • Optional external co-mentor for broader disciplinary guidance

3. Research Infrastructure Access

• • Cutting-edge laboratories, high-performance computing, and centralized service units

  • Administrative and technical support tailored to individual project needs

4. Career and Skill Development

• • Workshops in research integrity, communication, and academic leadership

  • Optional opportunities for teaching or mentoring graduate students

5. Global Networking

• • Integration into ISTA and NOMIS networks

  • Access to collaborative projects across European and global institutions

This comprehensive support structure ensures that fellows gain both the scientific and professional skills necessary for future leadership roles.

Eligibility Criteria

The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship is open to qualified researchers from all over the world. The eligibility conditions include:

• • PhD Requirement: Candidates must hold a PhD or expect to complete their defense within eight months of the application deadline.

  • Prior Experience: Preference is given to applicants with prior postdoctoral or interdisciplinary research experience.

  • Institutional Restrictions: ISTA-affiliated researchers who have been employed at ISTA for more than one year at the time of application are not eligible.

This inclusive yet merit-driven approach ensures that candidates are evaluated on their potential to generate impactful interdisciplinary contributions.

Application Procedure

The application process is rigorous, ensuring that only the most promising projects and researchers are selected. The process includes:

Step 1: Online Submission

Candidates must submit the following:

• • Detailed curriculum vitae

  • Innovative interdisciplinary research proposal

  • Statement of purpose outlining research goals

  • Names of proposed internal and external mentors

Step 2: Review and Shortlisting

All applications are reviewed by a panel of ISTA faculty and external experts, with shortlisted candidates invited to the next round.

Step 3: Interview Process

Shortlisted applicants participate in virtual interviews conducted by selection committees composed of experts across disciplines.

Step 4: Final Selection and Offer

Two final candidates are chosen per cycle, and results are typically communicated by December.

Step 5: Fellowship Commencement

Selected fellows must begin their tenure at ISTA within six months of receiving the offer.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing well in advance, identifying potential mentors, and aligning their proposal with ISTA’s research ecosystem.

Why Choose the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship?

This fellowship offers much more than funding. It is a career-launching platform designed for researchers ready to challenge the status quo. Key reasons to apply include:

• • Freedom to explore: Tackle high-risk research questions beyond traditional boundaries.

  • Collaborative structure: Work across labs, disciplines, and institutions.

  • Intellectual autonomy: Shape your own project with expert guidance.

  • Global recognition: Association with two of Europe’s most respected research institutions.

Whether you aim to shift paradigms or build novel theoretical frameworks, the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship provides the ideal setting.

Conclusion

The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program represents one of Europe’s most distinguished platforms for interdisciplinary postdoctoral research. With a highly supportive environment, dual mentorship, and cutting-edge facilities, it equips researchers with the resources and freedom to tackle the scientific challenges of tomorrow. Interested candidates should begin preparing their proposals early and consult the official documentation for application requirements and deadlines.

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