Fully Funded Vienna BioCenter Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship (VIP³) 2026 Austria.
The VIP³ Postdoc Program at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC) is a prestigious three-year interdisciplinary fellowship designed to support outstanding early-career researchers on their path to scientific independence.
Officially known as the Vienna BioCenter Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Program (VIP³), it offers a dynamic research environment, structured mentorship, and strong career development support.
The next application call opens from 1 March to 31 May, providing an excellent opportunity for talented postdoctoral researchers worldwide.
About the Vienna BioCenter (VBC).
The Vienna BioCenter is one of Europe’s leading life sciences hubs, bringing together top research institutes, universities, and biotech companies in an English-speaking, highly collaborative campus environment.
Researchers benefit from:
- State-of-the-art research infrastructure
- International and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Equal opportunity policies
- Health care and pension contributions
- Highly subsidized childcare facilities
Degree Level
- Post doctoral fellowship
Available Subjects
VIP³ offers three-year fellowships to researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, including:
- Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Bioinformatics
The program is specifically designed to promote interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects that can evolve into independent research lines.
BENEFITS
Unique Three-Mentor Model
One of the most distinctive features of VIP³ is its three-mentor scheme, which provides exceptional scientific and professional guidance:
- Two Host Group Leaders at VBC: Fellows conduct a joint research project between two research groups, gaining access to infrastructure and mentorship.
- One External Mentor: Selected from VBC networks, alumni, collaborators, or international partners to provide cross-disciplinary insight and expand professional connections.
This model ensures that fellows receive comprehensive scientific supervision while building strong international networks.
Training & Career Development
Beyond research excellence, VIP³ provides a structured professional development program, including:
- Personalized mentoring and career planning
- Coaching from the VIP³ Advisory Board (VAB)
- Training in research-related and transferable skills
- Secondment opportunities to broaden experience
- Networking with renowned professionals
The goal is to equip fellows with the tools and confidence needed to transition into independent academic or industry careers.
Funding & European Support.
- The VIP³ program is co-funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) as part of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101217025).
- This prestigious backing ensures competitive funding, high-quality standards, and strong international visibility.
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to applicants of all nationalities.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The VIP³ Postdoc Program at the Vienna BioCenter aims to attract talented early-stage researchers from around the world to conduct innovative and interdisciplinary research.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- PhD Requirement: Hold a PhD degree by the application deadline (15 August 2025) in a field relevant to research conducted at the Vienna BioCenter.
- Interdisciplinary Project: The proposed project must combine the expertise of at least two VBC research groups participating in the current VIP³ call.
- Publication Record: Have at least one (co-)first-author original research publication or a preprint posted on a recognized public server.
- MSCA Mobility Rule: In line with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) requirements, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in Austria for more than 12 months within the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application Requirements
- All application materials must be submitted by email to the official VIP³ program address.
- Applications will only be considered if they are complete and follow the official guidelines outlined in the “Guide for Applicants.”
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Personal Information: Name, contact details, current institution or employer
- CV (Maximum 2 Pages): Including education history, transcripts, degree certificates, and scientific training
- 5 Keywords: Reflecting the areas of the proposed research
- Major Achievements & Impact (½ page)
- Research Motivation & Interests Statement (½ page)
- Abstract of Research Proposal (Maximum ½ page)
- Full Research Proposal (Maximum 3 pages including references): Must bridge at least two participating VBC research groups
- Broader Impact Statement (½ page): Explaining expected societal impact beyond scientific output
- Contact Details of Two Referees
- List of Reviewers to be Excluded (if applicable)
Submission Format
- Download and complete the official application form.
- Combine all documents into a single PDF file (ideally no more than 20 pages).
- File name format: “VIP3 2026 LASTNAME.pdf”
- Submit via email before the deadline.
Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications may not be considered.
Why Apply for VIP³?
- Fully funded three-year postdoctoral fellowship
- Interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment
- Unique three-mentor guidance model
- Strong pathway toward independence
- Access to one of Europe’s top biomedical research campuses
For ambitious postdoctoral researchers aiming to launch independent research careers in a world-class environment, the VIP³ Postdoc Program at Vienna BioCenter represents a transformative opportunity. Click ‘Apply Now’ down below to start your application journey.
