Fully Funded Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026 are now open. This article will provide comprehensive details on the VIP2 fellowship program, its advantages, and a step-by-step guide to applying.
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026 offers fully funded scholarships for international postdoctoral researchers. This fellowship provides an annual gross salary of €70,040, comprehensive health insurance, and additional monthly support for each child, ranging from €110 to €170.
VIP2 is a prestigious three-year postdoctoral fellowship hosted at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC). It welcomes applicants with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics. VIP2 operates on a dual-mentor system, where fellows select a primary research group and mentor tailored to their project, supported by a secondary mentor from the VBC network, alumni, or biotech sector.
The program seeks applicants with the potential to develop unique research trajectories, setting a foundation for independent career paths. Cross-disciplinary and inter-lab projects are especially encouraged, fostering collaboration and scientific innovation.
In addition to a rich research environment, VIP2 offers structured training and career development under the principle of “Inform, Inspire, Innovate.”
Key Features of the Fully Funded Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026:
- A research culture promoting scientific excellence and independence
- Career support and mentorship through a dual-mentor model
- Guidance from the VIP2 Advisory Board (VAB)
- Comprehensive training on research-related and transferable skills
- A secondment scheme introduced into postdoctoral training
- Access to a wide network of esteemed professionals
Scholarship Summary Fully Funded Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Institution: Vienna BioCenter
- Location: Austria
- Field of Study: Click here for available positions.
- Program Duration: 3 years
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2024
Scholarship Benefits Fully Funded Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025-2026
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program provides fellows with the following support:
- Salary: Annual gross salary of €70,040, disbursed in 14 payments (including a Christmas and holiday bonus per Austrian law)
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage included
- Social Security: Benefits include paid maternity leave (16 weeks), optional parental leave (up to 24 months), pension contributions, and accident insurance.
- Family Allowance: Additional support for each child, from €110 to €170 monthly depending on age
- Tax Benefits: Deductions for single-income families
- Relocation Support: Contribution to relocation costs for fellows
Eligibility Criteria for VIP2 Fellowship
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in English
- Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
- Educational Requirements: PhD in life sciences or related fields (e.g., physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, mathematics)
- Project Alignment: Proposed projects must align with research areas conducted at the VBC; applicants should identify potential host groups.
- Interdisciplinary Projects: Encouraged to enhance collaborative potential
- Mentorship Communication: Applicants should engage with potential mentors prior to proposal submission.
- Publication Requirement: At least one first-author publication or manuscript on bioRxiv or arXiv
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must not have lived or worked in Austria for over 12 months in the three years preceding the application deadline to meet Marie Curie Action guidelines.
How to Apply for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Application Portal: Click here to access the application.
- Personal Information: Enter your name, contact details, and current educational/employment institution.
- Research Area Selection: Choose a primary scientific area (one of seven at the VBC) and up to five keywords.
- Publication Details: Provide the DOI of at least one first-author publication or manuscript.
- References: Submit contact information for two referees. Referees will receive an email with upload instructions; at least one reference letter is required before final submission.
- Document Uploads:
- CV including education and scientific training history
- PDFs of transcripts and certifications
- Five-page project proposal aligned with the host lab’s goals
- One-page societal impact statement on the project
- Written proof from the proposed group leader indicating support for the application
Upon acceptance, candidates proceed to an on-site interview stage. For further details on the selection phase, click here.
Additional Information
To learn more about the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program, please visit the official website: