Funded Fellowship – ISTernship Summer Program

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is looking for highly qualified Bachelor’s or Master’s students in the fields of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry & Materials, Computer Science, Data Science & Scientific Computing, Earth Science, Mathematics, Physics, Neuroscience and interdisciplinary areas to apply for the ISTernship program.

The ISTernship (“ISTA-” + “(int)ernship”) is a summer program for students from all over the world who are looking to expand their scientific research experience. Every summer since 2013, students join the ISTernship program and work closely with our faculty or a lab member on a short research project.

As part of the application, prospective participants choose a research group to work in, and successful applicants agree on a research project with the group leader. Upon arrival, ISTerns receive an introduction to research at ISTA as well as an introduction to the ISTA Graduate School.

The program culminates with a research symposium, where ISTerns present their work to peers, faculty, and lab mentors. You can find more information on the ISTernship here.

Internships are full-time, compensated, and will be conducted exclusively in English.

DURATION

2-3 months between May 15 and September 15. Exact dates and length are decided together with the supervisor.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Candidates must be enrolled Bachelor- or Master of Science students (or similar) in good standing at a degree granting institution. They must have completed at least the fourth semester of their bachelor’s studies (before the respective start date).

We ask you to upload the following documents to the application portal:

• CV
• Statement of purpose that explains your research experience and the research area(s) you find the most interesting, your motivation for applying to the ISTA ISTernship program, and which professor(s) you are interested in working with. (1 page maximum.)
• University transcripts and diplomas of all degree programs and all years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (we recommend to submit these in the original language as well as in English).
• Contact information of 1 or 2 referees

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Each successful candidate receives a scholarship compensation to assist with the cost of living in Austria and travel to and from Austria.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

ISTA cherishes diversity in personalities, backgrounds, experiences and thoughts among all our employees. Diversity creates a workplace that enables employees to gain new ideas and insights and that will take science into exciting new directions.                                                                                          

ISTA is committed to equal opportunities and social equity, regardless of age, gender (identity), ethnicity, race, social/cultural background, creed, religion, sexual orientation, and physical/cognitive abilities. Please see our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion web page for more information.

The application deadline for the 2025 ISTernship is February 5, 2025.

APPLY NOW

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is an international institute dedicated to basic research and graduate education in life science, physics, mathematics, and computer science. ISTA is an interdisciplinary research institution that aims to break down the traditional boundaries between disciplines and foster both theoretical and experimental research. In 2019, ISTA was ranked #3 in the world-wide Nature Index ranking (normalized).

About Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a PhD granting research institution dedicated to cutting-edge research in the physical, mathematical, computer, and life sciences. The founding principles of ISTA remain valid today and continue to guide the growth and development of the Institute in its second decade, as it works toward excelling in its core missions: to perform world-class basic research, to train the next generation of scientific leaders, to support science education and technology transfer, and to implement best practices in science management.

Connections working at Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)