Overview
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) is looking for highly qualified candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees to apply for the IST Austria PhD program. We offer fully-funded PhD positions in biology, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry and data science, in a world-class research environment on the outskirts of Vienna.
Students spend the first year completing coursework and rotations before choosing a thesis group. Our PhD graduates have gone on to top positions in academia and industry all over the world.
PhD Program
The goal of the PhD program at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) 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. To this end, our students complete an innovative interdisciplinary training program consisting of both research and taught elements, and receive close mentoring by world-class faculty from different disciplines. All students whose broad research interests align with those of our faculty are eligible to join the IST Austria PhD program. Selection of the thesis supervisor occurs at the end of the first year.
In the first year, students complete coursework and rotations in three different research groups. After selecting a thesis supervisor and passing the qualifying examination, students work on their thesis research, attend international conferences and colloquia, and receive training in teaching and other transferable skills. Research groups are deliberately kept small to ensure close supervision, and all students are mentored by several faculty members who make up their thesis committee.
All students are offered 5-year contracts. All students making reasonable progress are fully funded until the time of their thesis defense.
COURSEWORK
The interdisciplinary core courses are designed to encourage the exchange of knowledge between students from highly diverse backgrounds and promote the conditions which allow for interdisciplinary research. A broad view of topics are presented to students to encourage them to think beyond the boundaries of their primary research focus.
In addition, the courses fulfill a community-building function in terms of fostering exchange between students from different disciplinary backgrounds.
In addition to the interdisciplinary core courses, students also take specialized and advanced courses as part of the PhD program.
LABORATORY ROTATIONS
Students perform at least three rotations with three different research groups. A rotation is a period of roughly two months in which students perform research in a laboratory on a research project.
It is on the basis of this experience that students can choose to affiliate with a research group. It is also an excellent opportunity for students to learn to think across disciplines and build up cross-disciplinary skill sets.
QUALIFYING EXAM
In the qualifying exam, students’ knowledge within their proposed research area, their ability to identify important research problems, and their capability to come up with ways to tackle these problems, are assessed by the thesis committee.
The qualifying exam takes the form of a presentation and oral exam. Students must pass the qualifying exam to continue on the PhD program and perform thesis research.
THESIS RESEARCH
Upon passing the qualifying exam, students conduct thesis research within a research group. There are biannual reviews which evaluate the students’ progress, and ensure that they stay on track towards completion of the PhD.
Students are also encouraged to present their results at scientific conferences, and annually, present their research within the Institute.
OTHER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
IST Austria hosts a range of seminars, colloquia, and conferences which aim to encourage interaction between scientists and which allow students to become familiar with a diverse range of scientific research areas.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage. There is also financial support for students for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
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 IST Austria)
- 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.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 60 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
Language
English
Delivered
On Campus
Disciplines
Natural Sciences Computer Sciences Data Science & Big Data View 3 other PhDs in Data Science & Big Data in AustriaAcademic requirements
GPA Required
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
To be eligible to apply to the PhD program at IST Austria, you need to have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) 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
- Chemistry
- Neuroscience
- Mathematics
- Physics
- and interdisciplinary or related areas
You also need to be proficient in English oral and written communication.
Tuition Fee
To alway see correct tuition fees
-
International
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 60 months. -
EU/EEA
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 60 months.
All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage.
Living costs for Klosterneuburg
800 - 1200 EUR /month
Living costs
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage. There is also financial support for students for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
The IST Austria Grant Office supports scientists wishing to apply for external funding. PhD students at IST Austria are no exception since it is best to acquire grant writing skills early on in one’s scientific career.
Fellowships which have been awarded to PhD students and interns at IST Austria include:
- DOC fellowships from the Austrian Academy of Science
- Böhringer Ingelheim Foundation fellowships
- IBM PhD Fellowship
- FEMTech Stipends of the FFG, and
- ISTernships (internally funded).
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
Improve page content