Deadline:
January 08, 2025
Location(s)
Austria
Klosterneuburg (Vienna)
Overview
We offer fully-funded PhD positions in the natural and mathematical sciences in a world-class research environment on the outskirts of Vienna. The goal of the IST Scholar PhD program is to produce intellectually broad, curious, open-minded scientists who are able to approach problems from different angles and can collaborate with diverse types of scientists.
Details
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria, commonly known as IST Austria, is a young international institute of basic research and graduate education in natural and mathematical sciences, located in Maria Gugging, Klosterneuburg, 20 km northwest of the Austrian capital of Vienna.
The PhD program at IST Austria, also known as the ISTScholar program, is partially funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 665385). Top-ranked students who fulfill the mobility criteria will also be Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellows.
HOW DO I APPLY?
ISTA processes applications to 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. We do not accept applications and documents received outside of this system. The application portal is available during the application period only (second half of October until the deadline).
Please fill out the form using a web browser on a desktop computer. Web browsers on mobile devices (i.e. Android, iPhone, iPad, etc.) are not supported.
WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED?
Before starting your application we ask you to familiarize yourself with the research groups working at ISTA, the type of research done, and the philosophy of the PhD program. We ask you to submit the following:
- CV
- Statement of purpose (SoP) The Statement of Purpose is an important part of your application. In it, please share with us anything that prepares you for graduate-level research. For instance, you can describe your past research projects, motivation, skills, and background relevant to the research areas and groups you selected on the application form. Try to be as specific as possible about your experiences, with an emphasize on the technical skills you master.
- Address the following points:
- An important goal of the first year in the Graduate School is to find an academic home by affiliating with a research group. Taking into account that a successful affiliation does not depend only on your own preferences, you might consider multiple options. Based on your research interests and background, which group(s) would be relevant for you, in what order, and why? Please specify up to three research groups at ISTA.
- During the first year in the Graduate School you need to complete three rotations in three research groups. Explain which groups you would choose and why. The Graduate School encourages students to consider one rotation outside of their field of expertise; should you decide to explore this option, which research group would you consider and why?
- University transcripts and diplomas of all degree programs and all years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (both in English and in original language). Transcripts need to include the full list of courses attended and corresponding grades.
- Contact information of 3 referees who can assess your academic and research performance.
All documents must be submitted in English. Copies of university transcripts must be in both English and in their original language.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
If you want to do a PhD program at IST Austria, you need to have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in science. You will be asked to submit proof of your previous degree(s) when you apply.
Students who have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in the following (or interdisciplinary) areas are eligible to apply:
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Neuroscience
- Mathematics
- Physics
- and interdisciplinary or related areas
You also need to be proficient in English oral and written communication.
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:
- 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? How does the program contribute to the candidate’s future career plans?, etc.
- Additional relevant skills (field-specific): demonstrated in, e.g., internships and/or participation in research projects, participation in science Olympiads, programming languages, lab techniques, etc.
- Transferable skills: e.g. 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.
Dates
Deadline: January 08, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
We offer internationally competitive salaries co-funded by an EU Marie Skłodowska Curie grant, full health benefits, and subsidized on-campus housing in the first year.
There is also financial support for students to cover travel expenses for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
