Are you a trailblazing postdoctoral researcher with a passion for interdisciplinary science and a desire to tackle the “big questions” that can reshape our understanding of the world? Then the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2025 is your unparalleled opportunity. This prestigious, fully funded program, a collaboration between the NOMIS Foundation and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), is specifically designed to empower exceptional international talent to conduct high-risk, high-reward basic research in a vibrant, collaborative environment. In my experience advising aspiring researchers, the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship stands out as a beacon for those seeking not just a postdoctoral position, but a launchpad for a truly impactful scientific career. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate the application process and seize this incredible chance.
Why the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Stands Apart
The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship isn’t just another research grant; it’s a commitment to fostering pioneering minds and groundbreaking discoveries. It offers a unique blend of intellectual freedom, world-class resources, and dedicated mentorship, making it an ideal choice for ambitious foreign applicants.
A Confluence of Excellence: NOMIS Foundation and ISTA
The NOMIS Foundation is renowned for its dedication to supporting “insight-driven science across all disciplines, focusing on researchers who put forth bold new ideas, exhibit a pioneering spirit and seek to inspire the world around them” [NOMIS Foundation]. Their partnership with ISTA, a young and rapidly rising research institution consistently ranked among the world’s best for its scientific output, creates a powerful synergy. ISTA, located in Klosterneuburg, Austria, just outside Vienna, boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant international community, attracting top-tier researchers from around the globe [ISTA Postdocs page].
Unparalleled Benefits for Fellows
The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship offers a comprehensive package designed to allow fellows to focus entirely on their research and career development:
- Fully Funded Position: This is a three-year, full-time employment contract with a competitive annual gross salary (minimum €75,586 as per recent information) and full social security coverage [EURAXESS].
- Generous Research Budget: Fellows receive an annual research budget of €10,000 to cover consumables, travel, conference fees, and other project-related expenses.
- Cutting-edge Resources: Access to ISTA’s world-class scientific service units, including facilities for scientific computing, imaging, cryo-electron microscopy, nano-fabrication, and more.
- Dual Mentorship: A distinctive feature of this fellowship is the dual mentorship model. Fellows work with a primary supervisor (an ISTA faculty member) and a secondary supervisor, who can be another ISTA faculty member or an external expert, facilitating truly interdisciplinary projects.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: The program actively encourages research at the intersection of two or more scientific disciplines, aligning with ISTA’s broad research areas in natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, biology, neuroscience, physics, and chemistry [EURAXESS, ISTA Postdocs page].
- Career Development and Training: Fellows benefit from scientific integrity and leadership training, along with dedicated career development support, preparing them for future leadership roles in academia or industry.
- Global Networking: Joining the NOMIS-ISTA program means becoming part of an exclusive global network of exceptional, pioneering researchers from both the NOMIS Foundation and ISTA.
Eligibility: Are You the Right Fit for the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2025?
The NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship is highly competitive, seeking candidates who demonstrate exceptional scientific excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry. Here are the key eligibility criteria for foreign applicants:
- PhD Requirement: Applicants must have been awarded their PhD at the time of recruitment (i.e., within 8 months of the application deadline) or anticipate completion and defense of their PhD degree before the fellowship commences (no later than June 15, 2026, for ISTA-Fellow program, though NOMIS-ISTA specifically mentions 8 months post-deadline) [EURAXESS, ISTA-Fellow Guide]. A copy of the diploma or proof of successful defense will be required for the contract.
- Research Alignment: Your proposed interdisciplinary project must align with ISTA’s research areas, which include Biology, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, and Physics [EURAXESS].
- No Prior ISTA Employment Restrictions: You must not have been employed at ISTA for more than 12 months at the application deadline date [NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program Guide for Applicants 2024].
- Commitment from Supervisors: A crucial aspect is securing an agreement with both a primary ISTA faculty supervisor and a secondary supervisor (internal or external) who are committed to co-mentoring your project [EURAXESS]. I’ve seen many successful applicants start this outreach early, building a rapport and discussing potential project ideas before even beginning the formal application.
- Nationality: There are no nationality restrictions; the fellowship is explicitly open to all foreign applicants [WeMakeScholars].
Navigating the Application Process for the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship 2025
The application process for the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship is rigorous, designed to identify truly outstanding candidates. The upcoming deadline for the 2025 Call for Proposals is September 16, 2025 (14:00 CEST) [Scholarships Corner, EURAXESS]. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Early Preparation is Key: Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadline. This includes identifying potential supervisors at ISTA whose research aligns with your interdisciplinary interests. Reach out to them, express your interest, and discuss your proposed project. A strong pre-application connection can significantly strengthen your overall submission.
- Create an Account: The application is submitted online through the ISTA application portal. You’ll need to create a new account and verify it via email [NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program Guide for Applicants 2025].
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal, academic, and employment details accurately.
- Prepare Essential Documents: The following documents are typically required (all in PDF format with specific formatting guidelines):
- Research Proposal (Max 5 pages, excluding references): This is the core of your application. It should clearly outline your proposed interdisciplinary research project, its novelty, scientific approach, predicted outcomes, potential pitfalls, and how it extends the boundaries of your supervisors’ current research. It should address unresolved and important questions in your field [NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program Guide for Applicants 2024].
- CV (Max 2 pages) & Publication List: Highlight your academic and research achievements.
- Academic Summary (1 page): Detail up to three of your most impactful academic achievements and their significance, providing tangible examples.
- Motivation Statement (Max 2 pages): Articulate your background, your scientific interests, your motivation for applying to this specific fellowship, and how you envision contributing to and benefiting from the interdisciplinary environment at ISTA.
- Completed Ethics Self-Assessment Form: This form is crucial and must be fully completed [ISTA-Fellow Guide].
- PhD Diploma/Transcripts (Optional at application, required for contract): While optional for initial submission, have these ready.
- Three Reference Letters: Crucially, you do not need to wait for your referees to submit their letters before submitting your application. Once you’ve entered their details in the portal, you can notify them, and they will receive instructions on how to upload their letters. A minimum of two letters must be received by the application deadline [NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship Program Guide for Applicants 2025]. It’s highly recommended to contact your referees early and provide them with all necessary information and deadlines.
- Review and Submit: Thoroughly review your entire application for completeness and accuracy before submitting it through the online system. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Dates to Remember (based on recent calls):
- Application Deadline: September 16, 2025 (14:00 CEST)
- Interviews: Top-ranked candidates are typically invited for remote interviews in November 2025.
- Fellowship Commencement: Successful candidates must generally commence their fellowship within six months of notification.
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FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship if I haven’t completed my PhD yet?
A: Yes, you can apply if you anticipate defending your PhD within eight months of the application deadline. However, the fellowship contract will only be issued upon providing proof of your PhD award.
Q2: How many reference letters are required, and when should my referees submit them?
A: Three reference letters are required. You can notify your referees as soon as you enter their details in the online portal. A minimum of two letters must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.
Q3: What kind of interdisciplinary projects are favored by the NOMIS-ISTA Fellowship?
A: The fellowship encourages projects that truly bridge two or more scientific disciplines supported at ISTA (Biology, Neuroscience, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics). Projects demonstrating novel approaches and high-risk, high-reward potential are highly regarded.
Q4: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A: While there is no explicit age limit, the fellowship targets early-career postdoctoral researchers. The selection committee looks for candidates who have recently completed their PhD or are close to completion.
