If you are seeking to conduct research in Austria with financial support, the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP) represents an outstanding opportunity for international scholars. This prestigious fellowship provides fully funded postdoctoral positions across a wide range of scientific disciplines. This guide offers complete information about the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program, covering its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you prepare a successful submission.
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2026–2027 is a fully funded fellowship aimed at exceptional international researchers. Selected candidates receive a gross annual salary of €87,220, comprehensive health insurance, and additional family benefits of €130 to €200 per month per child.
Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
1. Benefits of the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
2. Program Highlights for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
3. Eligibility criteria for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
4. How to Apply for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
5. Deadlines for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
6. FAQs about the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
1. Benefits of the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program offers the following benefits to selected fellows:
- An annual gross salary of €87,220, distributed in 14 installments per year, including Christmas and holiday bonuses in line with Austrian labor laws
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage through the employment contract, which may also cover dependent children and unemployed spouses or partners
Full social security benefits, including:
- Paid maternity leave (eight weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth)
- Paid parental leave options of up to 24 months
- Pension contributions
- Accident insurance
- Family allowances (Familienbeihilfe) ranging from €130 to €200 per month per child, depending on the child’s age and the number of children in the household
- Tax benefits available for single-income families
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2. Program Highlights for Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
Program Highlights:
- A research environment that fosters scientific excellence, innovation, and independent thinking
- Comprehensive mentoring and career guidance through a dual-mentor system
- Personalized coaching and support from the VIP Advisory Board (VAB)
- Extensive training in both research-specific and transferable professional skills
- Opportunities to participate in secondments as part of postdoctoral development
- Access to an international network of leading academic and industry professionals
3. Eligibility criteria for Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
To be eligible for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Language Requirement: English proficiency is required
Eligible Countries: Applicants from any country worldwide are welcome
Academic Requirements:
- Hold a PhD in a field relevant to research conducted at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC) by the application deadline of August 15, 2026
- Submit an interdisciplinary research proposal that integrates the expertise of at least two VBC research groups participating in the current VIP3 call
- Have at least one original research publication or preprint as a first author or co-first author available on a public platform
Mobility Requirement:
Applicants must adhere to the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they must not have lived, worked, or studied in Austria for more than 12 months during the three years immediately preceding the application deadline
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4. How to Apply for Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
To apply for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program, applicants must send all required materials via email to vip-3[at]vbc.ac.at. Detailed instructions are available in the official Guide for Applicants.
Applications will be considered only if all required information and supporting documents are included.
Required Documents:
- Personal details, including name, contact information, and current institution or employer
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages), including educational background, transcripts, degree certificates, and scientific training
- Five keywords describing the proposed research area
- A half-page summary of major research achievements and their impact
- A half-page statement outlining research interests and motivation
- An abstract of the proposed project (maximum half a page)
- A detailed research proposal connecting at least two participating research groups in the current call (maximum three pages, including references)
- A half-page statement describing the broader societal impact of the research beyond scientific outcomes
- Contact information for two referees
- A list of reviewers to be excluded, if applicable
- Completed official application form
All documents must be combined into a single PDF file, preferably no more than 20 pages, and saved using the format:
VIP3 2025 LASTNAME.pdf
5. Deadlines for Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
The deadline for applying to the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP-3) is May 31, 2026. Applicants should carefully review all requirements and submit their complete application package before the deadline.
6. FAQs about the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
Q. What is the Vienna International Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Fellowship is a three-year research program hosted by the Vienna BioCenter. It supports exceptional scientists from various disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics who wish to conduct innovative, high-impact research.
Q. Who can apply for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
Researchers holding a PhD in life sciences or closely related fields such as chemistry, physics, engineering, or computer science are eligible. Applicants should demonstrate strong scientific achievements, independence, and a research proposal that aligns with the interests of participating host groups.
Q. Which research disciplines are accepted?
The fellowship welcomes applicants from a broad range of fields, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Bioinformatics
Interdisciplinary projects involving collaboration among multiple laboratories are especially encouraged.
Q. What mentoring opportunities are available?
Fellows benefit from a dual-mentor structure that includes a primary mentor from the host research group and a secondary mentor from within the institute or an external partner. Regular mentoring sessions and career development planning are provided throughout the fellowship.
Q. What training and career development support does the program offer?
The program includes extensive professional development opportunities, such as:
- Transferable skills training
- Career coaching and mentoring
- Advisory board guidance
- Secondment opportunities
- Networking with both academic and industry professionals
These activities are designed to help fellows develop into independent researchers and future leaders in their fields.
Q. What is the mobility requirement?
To satisfy the mobility criteria, applicants must not have resided, worked, or studied in Austria for more than 12 months during the three years immediately before the application deadline. This requirement follows the standard transnational mobility rules commonly applied in international research funding programs.
