About Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is an international research institute dedicated to fundamental research in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Established in 2009, ISTA has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s most research-intensive environments for basic scientific research.
Located in Klosterneuburg near Vienna, ISTA operates as an independent PhD-granting institution and recruits researchers globally. The institute follows a tenure-track model similar to leading international research universities and maintains strong connections with European and global research networks.
Research and Academic Focus
ISTA focuses exclusively on fundamental research across disciplines such as biology, neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, and data science. Research groups are small and highly international, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term scientific inquiry.
The institute places strong emphasis on curiosity-driven research and supports investigators through competitive funding structures and advanced research infrastructure. ISTA participates in European research programmes and hosts internationally recognised research groups within theoretical and experimental sciences.
PhD and Postdoctoral Opportunities
PhD candidates at ISTA are admitted to a structured doctoral programme conducted entirely in English. Doctoral researchers receive full funding and work within research groups across mathematics, computer science, life sciences, physics, and interdisciplinary fields.
Postdoctoral and faculty positions are regularly available within:
- Mathematics and theoretical sciences
- Computer science and artificial intelligence
- Neuroscience and molecular biology
- Physics and interdisciplinary quantitative research
Researchers interested in related academic fields may explore opportunities in:
Academic Careers in Austria
As a research institute dedicated to fundamental science, ISTA attracts early-career and senior researchers seeking academic careers within an international, English-speaking, and research-intensive environment in Austria.