The ISTScholar PhD Program

Deadline   : January 8, 2017 11:59PM CET 

Study in    : Institute of Science and Technology, Austria

Level        : PhD (Both Bachelors and Master can apply)

The goal of the ISTScholar PhD program is to produce intellectually broad, curious, open-minded scientists who are able to approach problems from different angles and can collaborate with diverse types of scientists. To this end, our students complete an innovative interdisciplinary training program consisting of both research and taught elements, and receive close mentoring by world-class faculty from different disciplines. All students whose broad research interests align with those of our faculty are eligible to join the ISTScholar PhD program. Selection of the thesis supervisor occurs at the end of the first year.

In the first year, students complete coursework and rotations in three different research groups. After selecting a thesis supervisor and passing the qualifying examination, students work on their thesis research, attend international conferences and colloquia, and receive training in teaching and other transferable skills. Research groups are deliberately kept small to ensure close supervision, and all students are mentored by several faculty members who make up their thesis committee.

The program is designed for students to complete their studies in 4-5 years. All students making reasonable progress are fully funded until the time of their thesis defense.

Coursework

The interdisciplinary core courses are designed to encourage the exchange of knowledge between students from highly diverse backgrounds and promote the conditions which allow for interdisciplinary research. A broad view of topics are presented to students to encourage them to think beyond the boundaries of their primary research focus. In addition, the courses fulfill a community-building function in terms of fostering exchange between students from different disciplinary backgrounds.

In addition to the interdisciplinary core courses, students also take specialized and advanced courses as part of the PhD program. For further details of our course offerings, see our list of courses.

Laboratory rotations

Students perform at least three rotations with three different research groups. A rotation is a period of roughly two months in which students perform research in a laboratory on a research project. It is on the basis of this experience that students can choose to affiliate with a research group. It is also an excellent opportunity for students to learn to think across disciplines and build up cross-disciplinary skillsets.

Training in teaching

Teaching skills are an important asset for an academic career. At IST Austria, PhD students are required to act as teaching assistants for at least one course. There is a Golden Sponge teaching award which rewards outstanding teaching by students.

Career Development

IST Austria is committed to providing its students with the skills for a successful career. Students can participate in seminars and workshops on topics including scientific presentation, career planning, time and self-management, interpersonal skills, and science communication.

Qualifying exam

In the qualifying exam, students’ knowledge within their proposed research area, their ability to identify important research problems, and their capability to come up with ways to tackle these problems, are assessed by the thesis committee. The qualifying exam takes the form of a presentation and oral exam. Students must pass the qualifying exam to continue on the PhD program and perform thesis research.

Thesis research

Upon passing the qualifying exam, students conduct thesis research within a research group. There are biannual reviews which evaluate the students’ progress, and ensure that they stay on track towards completion of the PhD. Students are also encouraged to present their results at scientific conferences, and in the third year, present their research within the Institute.

Other program activities

IST Austria hosts a range of seminars, colloquia, and conferences which aim to encourage interaction between scientists and which allow students to become familiar with a diverse range of scientific research areas. See events, for a list of such program activities.

Financial support

All our PhD students are fully funded, at internationally competitive salary levels, and receive full social security coverage. There is also financial support for students for attending scientific conferences and workshops.

Length of the PhD program

The length of the PhD program is typically 4 to 5 years, depending on whether a student has a bachelor’s or a master’s degree when starting their PhD.

Subject areas we offer

We invite master’s as well as bachelor’s students, who have a degree in the natural sciences, mathematics or computer science, to apply for our PhD program.

It is possible to do a PhD on a research topic which aligns with the interests of our faculty, which currently falls within the following broad research areas:

Life Science
Physical Science
Formal Science

How to apply

The deadline for PhD applications is January 8, 2017 11:59PM CET, for a start in September 2017. Reference letters should be submitted by January 15, 2017 11:59PM CET. Please read the page on how to apply, for detailed instructions. All application materials should be submitted via our online application page.

You might also be interested in doing an internship at IST Austria, and it is possible to do so before the start of your PhD. For more information, have a look at the internship options we offer.