Are you looking for a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in Austria? The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025 at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC) is now accepting applications for the academic year. This prestigious three-year fellowship provides outstanding postdoctoral researchers with a gross annual salary of €70,040, full health insurance, and additional child support ranging from €110 to €170 per month per child.
The VIP2 program is highly interdisciplinary, welcoming applicants from fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, engineering, computer science, and bioinformatics. Researchers benefit from a structured training program, mentorship, and career development support.
In this article, we will explain the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program 2025.
| Scholarship Name | Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP2) |
|---|---|
| Level of Study | Postdoctoral |
| Institution | Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Austria |
| Location | Austria |
| Program Duration | 3 years |
| Fields of Study | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Bioinformatics |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | June 15, 2025 |
| Funding Amount | €70,040 per year (paid in 14 installments) |
Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP2): Scholarship Benefits
The VIP2 postdoctoral fellowship provides researchers with generous funding and additional benefits:
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- Salary:
- €70,040 gross annual salary paid in 14 installments (12 months plus a Christmas and holiday bonus).
- Comprehensive Health Insurance:
- Full medical coverage in Austria.
- Social Security and Family Benefits:
- Fully paid maternity leave (16 weeks).
- Possibility of paid parental leave (up to 24 months).
- Pension contributions and accident insurance.
- Child support allowance:
- €110–€170 per month per child (depending on the child’s age).
- Tax deductions for single-income families.
- Research & Career Development:
- Two-mentor system to guide research projects.
- Access to high-quality laboratory facilities at the Vienna BioCenter.
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals and alumni.
- Coaching and mentorship from the VIP2 Advisory Board (VAB).
- Training programs in research and transferable skills.
- Relocation Support:
- Funding assistance for moving to Austria.
Eligibility Criteria for Vienna International Postdoctoral Program
To qualify for the VIP2 fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Language | English |
| Eligible Countries | Open to all nationalities |
| Degree Requirements | PhD in life sciences, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related fields |
| Publication Requirement | At least one first-author publication or manuscript on bioRxiv/arXiv |
| Research Alignment | The proposed project must align with research at the Vienna BioCenter |
| Mentorship Requirement | Applicants must contact and secure a host mentor before applying |
| Mobility Rule | Applicants must not have lived/worked in Austria for more than 12 months in the past 3 years (Marie Curie Action rule) |
How to Apply for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to apply for the VIP2 fellowship:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the criteria, including degree qualifications, publication requirements, and the mobility rule.
Step 2: Select a Research Group & Mentor
- Browse the available research groups at Vienna BioCenter.
- Contact potential mentors and discuss your research proposal.
- Obtain written confirmation from your chosen mentor.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
| Required Documents | Details |
|---|---|
| CV | Detailed academic background and research experience |
| PhD Certificate & Transcripts | Official copies or notarized documents |
| Research Proposal | 5-page document aligned with the host lab’s research |
| Public Summary of Research | 1-page explanation for the general public, highlighting societal impact |
| Proof of Mentor Support | Letter or email from the selected mentor at VBC |
| Publication Record | DOI or PDF of at least one first-author publication |
| Recommendation Letters | At least two reference letters from academic mentors |
Step 4: Submit Online Application
- Fill out the online application form on the official VIP2 website.
- Upload all required documents.
- Ensure that one reference letter is uploaded before submission.
Step 5: Selection Process & Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for on-site interviews.
- The final decision is based on research potential, project quality, and mentor alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the VIP2 fellowship?
Researchers with a PhD in life sciences, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, or related fields can apply.
2. Do I need to have prior experience in Austria?
No, but applicants must not have lived or worked in Austria for more than 12 months in the past three years.
3. Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it provides a €70,040 salary, health insurance, family support, and relocation assistance.
4. How competitive is the VIP2 fellowship?
The program is highly selective, focusing on applicants with strong research backgrounds and potential for independence.
5. What is the deadline for applying?
The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is June 15, 2025.
Apply Now for the Vienna International Postdoctoral Program (VIP2)
The Vienna International Postdoctoral Program is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to develop their skills, expand their networks, and work in a world-class research environment.
For more details, visit the official website.
