Embarking on a postdoctoral journey in Austria presents a remarkable opportunity for international scholars. The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP²) is currently accepting applications for its 2025-2026 cohort. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the fellowship, detailing its benefits and guiding you through the application process.?
Overview of the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
VIP² is a prestigious three-year postdoctoral fellowship hosted at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC) in Austria. It welcomes candidates from diverse fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics. The program employs a dual-mentor system, allowing fellows to select a primary research group and academic mentor tailored to their project, complemented by a secondary mentor from the VBC network, alumni, or biotech sector. This structure fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and supports the development of independent research trajectories. ?
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the VIP² program receive:
-
Competitive Salary: An annual gross salary of €70,040, disbursed in 14 payments, including a Christmas and holiday bonus as per Austrian law.?
-
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Full coverage for medical needs.?
-
Social Security Benefits: This encompasses fully paid maternity leave (16 weeks), the option for paid parental leave (up to 24 months), pension contributions, and accident insurance.?
-
Family Support: Additional monthly allowances ranging from €110 to €170 per child, depending on age.?
-
Relocation Assistance: Support mechanisms to aid in covering relocation expenses for fellows. ?
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the VIP² fellowship, applicants must:
-
Educational Background: Hold a PhD in life sciences or related disciplines such as physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics.?
-
Research Alignment: Propose a scientific project that aligns with the research conducted at VBC, identifying one or more potential host groups.?
-
Publications: Have at least one first-author publication or manuscript published on platforms like bioRxiv or arXiv.?
-
Mobility Requirement: By the application deadline (June 15, 2025), applicants should not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies) in Austria for more than 12 months in the preceding three years, in accordance with the Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Actions mobility rule.
Application Process
Interested candidates should:
-
Online Application: Submit their application through the VIP² online portal, providing personal information, scientific area of interest, and up to five keywords.?Vienna BioCenter Scientific Training
-
Publication Details: Include the DOI of at least one first-author publication or manuscript.?
-
References: Provide contact details for two referees. At least one reference letter must be uploaded into the system before the application can be submitted.?
-
Document Submission: Upload the following documents:?
-
Curriculum Vitae: Detailing education and scientific training from the bachelor's degree onward.?
-
Transcripts and Certificates: PDF copies of academic records and certifications.?
-
Research Proposal: A five-page proposal that complements the aims of the host lab.
-
Societal Impact Statement: A one-page explanation of the project's societal impact, written for the general public.?
-
Mentor Support Letter: Written proof (letter or email) from the chosen group leader indicating support for the application. ?
-
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by June 15, 2025. ?
Conclusion
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program offers a unique platform for postdoctoral researchers to advance their careers within a vibrant and interdisciplinary environment. With its comprehensive support system and commitment to scientific excellence, VIP² stands as a gateway to pioneering research and professional growth.?
Have a question? Ask now!
Follow us on Instagram!