IST-BRIDGE: International Postdoctoral Program

The IST-BRIDGE program at IST Austria offers fully funded (two-year) postdoctoral fellowships for highly qualified candidates who have completed or will soon complete their PhD or equivalent in the natural or computer sciences, mathematics or any related discipline.

IST-BRIDGE postdocs’ careers will be enhanced by a flexible ‘career-tracks’ training program and optional non-academic secondments, placements in IST Austria research support units, and academic secondments to outstanding international BRIDGE Network partners.

Benefits of an IST-BRIDGE fellowship

  • International, Interdisciplinary, and Intersectoral fellowship program
  • 2-year, fully funded postdoctoral position (optional extensions for placements/secondments)
  • Profiled competency training: 4 flexible ‘career-tracks’
  • Optional BRIDGE placements and secondments
  • ‘Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow’ title – internationally recognized mark of research excellence

Eligibility

  • All research fields supported at IST Austria will be eligible (see https://ist.ac.at/en/research).
  • At the date of the deadline, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) or have at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience and anticipate the completion of their PhD degree before the start of their fellowship (which should not be later than ~7 months post-deadline – see guide for applicants). A fellowship contract will not be issued until a copy of the diploma/proof of successful defense is provided.
  • Applicants cannot have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the call deadline.
  • Researchers already employed at IST Austria at the call deadline are not eligible to apply.

Calls for proposals: IST-BRIDGE will recruit 60 fellows over 5 globally-advertised calls (approximately 12 per call).

Call deadlines: 05/11/21 – 05/05/22 – 05/11/22 – 05/05/23 – 05/11/23

See ‘How to apply’ section below for the Guide for Applicants and application links. Should you have questions on the IST-BRIDGE fellow application process, please see the FAQ section below or contact: ist-bridge@ist.ac.at

IST-BRIDGE program

The IST-BRIDGE program has two primary goals: Excellent basic research and tailored postdoctoral researcher career development. Research projects covering all fields at IST are welcome: the research areas and potential host supervisors can be found here. In the case of interdisciplinary research projects, a secondary host may also be nominated.

BRIDGE Network: BRIDGE fellows have the opportunity to receive additional world-class academic research training at a BRIDGE Network partner institute: Francis Crick Institute (UK), Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (JP), Rockefeller University (US), Weizmann Institute (IL). These institutes not only offer researchers the freedom and resources to focus on curiosity driven research, but are committed to supporting postdoctoral researchers and developing early-stage PIs. Fellows may propose a 3 month Academic Secondment hosted by a BRIDGE partner Research Group, providing access to exceptional training and networking opportunities.

Working conditions

Funding: BRIDGE fellows receive 2-year, full time employment contracts with an internationally competitive salary (min. 56,000 EUR gross) and full social security coverage. In addition to this salary, every BRIDGE fellow will receive at the beginning of their fellowship a single paid relocation allowance amounting to EUR 2.000. Furthermore, a single additional allowance of EUR 1.000 is paid to researchers with families.

Research Environment: The IST-BRIDGE program offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary environment. Research group leaders are at the forefront of their respective fields: two thirds of faculty have received an ERC grant. Labs are equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and central Scientific Service Units offer facilities and know-how on an international level.

Family Services: IST Austria has an onsite daycare. Reserving a spot in the daycare is subject to availability.

Housing: Depending upon availability, a room in the on-campus guesthouse or apartments can be rented, giving incoming postdocs time to find more permanent accommodation.

Language: The official language of the institute is English. In order to help fellows integrate in the host country, IST offers German-language courses on campus.

Application Process: Overview

  1. Download and carefully review the Guide for Applicants (below)
  2. Create an account at apply.app.ist.ac.at.
  3. Verify your account by following the instructions contained within the email sent to you.
  4. Complete the application by entering all required information and uploading all required documents (see Guide for Applicants).
  5. Submit your application.

Following application, top-ranked applicants will be invited for a remote interview (4-7 weeks post-deadline) with international Selection Committee members. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications no later than 3 months after the application deadline (including reserve list status where relevant).

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