Vienna International Postdoctoral Program For 2025. Take advantage of Austria’s educational opportunities. There’s good news! There is currently an open call for applications for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program. This article will provide an overview of this fellowship program, its benefits, and the application process in detail.
These fully funded scholarships are available to international students as part of the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026. A postdoctoral fellowship will provide a gross salary of 70,040 EUR per year, full health insurance, and additional support for each child ranging between 110 and 170 EUR per month.
Vienna BioCenter (VBC) offers a three-year postdoctoral fellowship called VIP2 open to candidates with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics. A two-mentor program is implemented in the program, in which fellows select a primary research group and academic mentor based on their specific projects and are supported by a second mentor selected from our research institutes, biotechnology sector, alumni network and beyond.
A postdoctoral fellowship with the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program provides people with an opportunity to develop their research into distinct areas and thus serve as a stepping stone towards an independent career path. Projects involving multiple laboratories and interdisciplinary research are highly encouraged.
Vienna International Postdoctoral Program offers outstanding research facilities and structured training and career development programs under the motto “Train, Inspire, Innovate.”.
The development of a research culture that promotes scientific excellence and independence
- A two-mentor mentoring scheme can effectively mentor and plan careers
- A VIP2 Advisory Board (VAB) provides coaching and mentoring
- An extensive training program to develop transferrable skills related to research
- The establishment of a secondment scheme in the postdoctoral training program
- A comprehensive network of renowned professionals is introduced
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): Vienna BioCenter
- Study at: Austria
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Click here to find all the available Postdoctoral positions.
- Program Period: Three years
- Deadline: 15 June 2025
Coverage of Scholarships
Following are the benefits that can be obtained as a result of participating in the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program:
- Salary: Fellows receive an annual gross salary of 70,040 EUR paid in 14 installments (12 months plus one Christmas and one holiday bonus, as per Austrian law) Full health insurance is included with the position.
- The social security system provides fully paid maternity leave (16 weeks), parental leave (up to 24 months), pension contributions, and accident insurance.
- A family receives additional support for each child (the “family allowance”) that ranges from 110 – 170 EUR per month per child, depending on the child’s age.
- A single-income family is entitled to tax deductions.
- There are mechanisms in place to contribute to the relocation costs of the fellows.
Eligibility Criteria for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP2)
To be considered for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP2), applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in English is essential, as it is the primary language of communication and research within the program.
- Eligible Nationalities: Applications are welcomed from candidates of all nationalities worldwide.
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates must hold a PhD in life sciences or in a closely related field, including physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics.
- Project Relevance: The proposed postdoctoral research must align with the scientific work currently being conducted on the Vienna BioCenter campus. Applicants are expected to identify and name one or more potential host research groups.
- Collaborative Projects: The program strongly encourages interdisciplinary and inter-laboratory projects, enhancing the collaborative nature of research.
- Mentor Communication: Prospective fellows are advised to initiate discussions with their preferred mentor(s) both before and during the process of developing their individual research proposal.
- Research Publications: Applicants should have at least one first-author publication, or a manuscript already submitted on preprint platforms such as bioRxiv or arXiv.
- Mobility Rule: In compliance with the Marie Curie transnational mobility requirement, applicants must not have lived or carried out their main professional activities (work or studies) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the application deadline (15 June).
How to Apply for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP²)?
To apply for the prestigious Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP²), candidates must complete the following steps carefully:
- Submit Your Online Application: Begin your application by accessing the official application portal. You will need to provide:
- Your personal details including full name, contact information, and your current academic or professional affiliation.
- Select your primary scientific discipline from one of the seven research areas at VBC and list up to five relevant keywords.
- Provide the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of at least one first-author publication or manuscript.
- Enter the contact details of two referees. An automatic request will be sent to them with instructions. Note: At least one reference letter must be uploaded before you can submit your application.
- Prepare and Upload the Following Supporting Documents:
- A detailed CV including academic background, research experience starting from your bachelor’s degree, and any honors or distinctions.
- Scanned copies (PDFs) of your academic transcripts and certificates.
- A five-page project proposal that aligns with the goals and interests of your prospective host lab.
- A one-page public summary describing your proposed research and its potential societal relevance.
- Proof of support (a letter or email) from your chosen group leader confirming their willingness to host your project.
- Next Steps: Once your application is complete and reviewed, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the on-site interview stage.
FAQs about the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP²)
What is the duration and salary of the VIP² fellowship?
The VIP² fellowship spans three years, offering a gross annual salary of €70,040, disbursed in 14 installments (12 monthly payments plus holiday and Christmas bonuses) as per Austrian law. Additionally, fellows receive full health insurance coverage and family allowances ranging from €110 to €170 per child monthly, depending on the child’s age.
Who is eligible to apply for the VIP² program?
Applicants must hold a PhD in life sciences or a related field (e.g., physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics). They should not have resided or conducted their main activities in Austria for more than 12 months in the three years preceding the application deadline. Proficiency in English is required, and candidates must have at least one first-author publication or a manuscript submitted to a preprint server.
What does the application process involve?
Applicants need to submit an online application, including personal details, a detailed CV, academic transcripts, a five-page research proposal aligned with the Vienna BioCenter’s focus areas, a one-page public summary of the proposed research, and proof of support from a chosen group leader. Additionally, contact details for two referees must be provided, with at least one reference letter uploaded before submission.
Conclusion
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP²) offers a comprehensive and fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to advance their careers in a vibrant scientific environment. With its structured training, dual-mentorship model, and emphasis on interdisciplinary research, VIP² stands as a gateway for scientists aiming to make significant contributions to their fields while enjoying the rich cultural backdrop of Vienna.
