Austria · Interdisciplinary postdoctoral research
NOMIS–ISTA Fellowship: closed-call reference and preparation guide
Review the programme’s research model and the 2026 application requirements. Use the guidance to plan your research, while waiting for a confirmed future call.
2026 call closed; future dates unconfirmed
The 2026 applicant guide originally specified 10 September. ISTA subsequently announced an extension because of a portal outage. Both dates have passed. General pages that still say “open” should not be treated as evidence of a new round.
No 2027 application deadline was confirmed during this review. Avoid submitting an old application package or making plans around an assumed timetable.
Programme and funding
NOMIS and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria award two fellowships annually for research spanning at least two disciplines. The programme uses dual supervision, with an external secondary supervisor possible when required expertise is unavailable at ISTA.
| Feature | Published 2026 terms |
|---|---|
| Duration | Three years |
| Salary | Minimum €76,986 gross annually |
| Support | Research and travel funds, training and career development |
| Teaching | Encouraged, not compulsory |
Funding figures are historical call terms, not a promise for a future round. Confirm any later salary, deductions and relocation arrangements in the relevant offer.
Eligibility reference
A PhD must be awarded by recruitment and before the fellowship begins. Initial postdoctoral or substantial interdisciplinary experience is preferred, with exceptional candidates considered. The 2026 internal-applicant rule excluded employment at ISTA before 1 January 2026. Successful fellows must start within six months of notification.
The guide also states an academic/research affiliation requirement, while allowing latest-employment details in the form for applicants on leave or unemployed. Ask the programme office about your circumstances rather than assuming eligibility.
2026 application document checklist
| Component | Guide requirement |
|---|---|
| Proposal | Five pages: Part 1, three pages; Part 2, two pages. References excluded. Minimum 11-point font and 2 cm margins. |
| CV and outputs | CV maximum two pages, plus publication list. |
| Achievements | One page covering up to three achievements. |
| Summaries | Scientific and lay summaries, each maximum 300 words. |
| Ethics | Completed ethics self-assessment. |
| Referees | Nominate three; at least two letters must arrive by the deadline. Intended hosts cannot act as referees. |
Use the guide’s prescribed headings. Part 1 covers vision and methods; Part 2 explains interdisciplinary value, host choice and contribution to both groups. The guide lists diplomas and transcripts as optional uploads.
These limits describe the closed round. They help you organise preparation, but do not replace the instructions of any subsequent call.
Prepare a project with a clear purpose
The following suggestions are CareerAidHub guidance, rather than additional programme requirements.
- Define the question: identify the uncertainty your project will address.
- Explain the combination: show why the work needs both research groups.
- Check practical access: discuss equipment, data, computing and supervision.
- Plan realistic work: connect each research aim with a method, evidence and fallback.
- Document your contribution: distinguish your work from the wider team’s results.
- Review when a call appears: compare every prepared file with the new instructions.
For existing applicants, follow the interview invitation. The 2026 guide gives slightly different November interview windows in different sections, so the individual invitation should determine your arrangements.
A useful practice is to explain the same project to two audiences. First describe it for a specialist. Then explain the question and approach without assuming familiarity with your field. Keep the scientific meaning consistent.
Career Accelerator support
CareerAidHub’s Career Accelerator Program offers profile review, career mapping, tailored CVs and research statements, professor outreach, targeted opportunity mapping and 1:1 mentorship.
CareerAidHub is independent of ISTA and the NOMIS Foundation. Support does not guarantee a host, interview or fellowship.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an open call?
No. This article is a reference for the completed 2026 application round. Check the official programme page for any later announcement.
Can I assume the next deadline will be in September?
No. Wait for a dated official announcement. An annual programme does not establish the next opening date or deadline.
How should I decide whether my project is interdisciplinary?
Explain why the research question needs the combined methods or perspectives of the proposed groups. Simply naming two disciplines does not demonstrate that connection.
How should I prepare for discussions with possible supervisors?
Share a concise question, your proposed approach and the resources needed. Ask about feasibility and explain the contribution you can make to each group.
Should I reuse the 2026 application package without checking?
No. Treat it as preparation material. Recheck eligibility dates, templates, limits and submission instructions if another call is announced.
Is the advertised gross salary my take-home pay?
No. Gross salary is before applicable deductions. Request an individual explanation of salary and employment terms before planning your budget.
How should existing applicants prepare for an interview?
Follow the invitation. Be ready to explain the research question, interdisciplinary contribution, feasibility, risks and your own role in earlier work.
Can CareerAidHub guarantee a fellowship?
No. CareerAidHub provides independent information and optional preparation support. ISTA controls eligibility, evaluation and appointments.
Official programme information
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026. Based on ISTA’s programme page, the 2026 Guide for Applicants and the official deadline-extension notice. Recheck new call documents when published. Programme enquiries: nomis-fellowship@ista.ac.at.
