If you’re an early-career researcher looking to take your work beyond traditional academic boundaries, the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications. Hosted by the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and supported by the NOMIS Foundation, this fully funded postdoctoral fellowship is designed for researchers with innovative ideas that combine two or more scientific disciplines. The programme offers three years of funding, competitive salary, expert mentorship, and access to world-class research facilities in Austria. If you want to develop high-impact research while working alongside internationally recognised scientists, this fellowship is an excellent opportunity to advance your academic career.
What This Fellowship Offers
The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship provides much more than financial support. Selected fellows receive a fully funded three-year postdoctoral position with a competitive gross salary starting from EUR 76,986 per year, along with full social security coverage. The programme also includes research and travel funding, giving you the flexibility to attend conferences and collaborate with researchers worldwide. You’ll have access to ISTA’s advanced laboratories, scientific service units, and cutting-edge research infrastructure while enjoying the freedom to pursue ambitious interdisciplinary projects. Every fellow is guided by two ISTA research group leaders from different scientific fields, creating a unique mentoring experience that encourages innovative thinking. In addition, you’ll benefit from leadership training, career development programmes, research integrity support, and opportunities to become part of ISTA’s and the NOMIS Foundation’s international research networks. Optional teaching opportunities are also available for those interested in gaining academic teaching experience.
A distinctive feature of the fellowship is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants are expected to design a research proposal jointly supervised by two ISTA group leaders from different scientific fields, encouraging innovative approaches that bridge multiple disciplines. Potential research areas include:
- Life Sciences
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Neuroscience
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Interdisciplinary Computational Research
Who Can Apply for NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship is open to outstanding early-career researchers with a strong interest in interdisciplinary science. You should hold a PhD by the time of recruitment, which must be completed within eight months of the application deadline. Applicants preferably need to have some postdoctoral or interdisciplinary research experience and be affiliated with a university or research institution. If shortlisted, you’ll need to be available for remote interviews between 1 and 21 November 2026 and be ready to begin the fellowship within six months of receiving the award. The programme welcomes researchers working across a wide range of disciplines, including life sciences, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, neuroscience, data science, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary computational research. Projects that combine expertise from multiple scientific fields are especially encouraged.
How to Apply for NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2026 Austria?
Applications must be submitted through the official ISTA online application portal. Before starting your application, you should prepare your research proposal and identify two ISTA research group leaders who will supervise your interdisciplinary project. During the application process, you’ll create an online account, verify your email address, complete the application form, and provide details about your academic background, PhD, and current institutional affiliation. You’ll also need to upload your interdisciplinary research proposal and any required supporting documents. The application deadline is 10 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST. Candidates selected for the next stage will be invited to attend remote interviews scheduled between 1 and 21 November 2026.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2026 |
| Host Institution | Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) |
| Host Country | Austria |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 Years |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Salary | From EUR 76,986 gross per year |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 (14:00 CEST) |
| Interview Period | 1–21 November 2026 |
The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for exceptional postdoctoral researchers who want to push the boundaries of scientific discovery through interdisciplinary collaboration. With generous funding, dual mentorship, cutting-edge research facilities, and the freedom to pursue ambitious research ideas, the programme offers an ideal platform for building an internationally recognized research career. If your work bridges multiple scientific disciplines, begin preparing your application now and submit it before 10 September 2026. Full details and application instructions are available on the official fellowship page.
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