Professors

We are looking for outstanding group leaders in all fields of science

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Faculty

The Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA) is looking for professors. This site provides insights into the professor application process as well as information about being a professor at ISTA.

On this site:

We welcome applications for ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (tenure-track) and PROFESSOR (tenured) positions in the following areas:

Chemistry
Computer Science (Candidates from CS systems are especially encouraged to apply)
Data Science (With a focus on candidates in statistics and bioinformatics)
Earth Science (In all areas with the exception of solid earth)
Mathematics
Experimental Soft Matter Physics (Broadly defined, including biological physics)

We welcome applications for ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (tenure-track) positions who want to start their first independent research group in:

Life Sciences (A special area of interest is neuroscience)

Interdisciplinary candidates bridging between areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why ISTA?

Impactful research in a vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment.
Advanced facilities and comprehensive scientific support.
Attractive salaries and generous resources.
Guaranteed annual funding, including support for PhD students and postdocs.
Graduate school with highly selective admissions.
Professional development opportunities and employee support services.
On-campus childcare facilities.
Inclusive working environment.
Proximity to Vienna, consistently ranked among the most livable cities worldwide.

At ISTA, we promote a diverse and inclusive working environment and are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunities for all applicants, free of discrimination. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

The deadlines of our annual call (October 24, 2024 and November 28, 2024) have passed. We will no longer accept applications after the deadlines.

For enquiries, please visit FAQ.

For questions that are not covered in FAQ, please contact faculty.recruiting@ista.ac.at.

Your application includes your curriculum vitae (with a list of publications) and a research statement including a description of your scientific accomplishments and planned research activities. We will confirm receipt of your application immediately and notify you about its status at the latest six months after the call deadline.

If your application passes the first round of selection, we will contact your referees.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview usually from January to March and asked to provide a Community Engagement Statement of no more than two pages addressing the questions:

What are the pressing challenges you see for your scientific community?

How have you addressed these challenges in the past and how would you like to address them in the future?

Applicants should provide a narrative statement – not simply a list of committees or activities – regarding initiatives they have been/are/would like to be involved in. Topics may include: leadership, building a positive research culture, diversity & inclusion, research ethics & integrity, open access, sustainability, science education, outreach, contributions to policy, tech transfer etc. Applicants should explain why they chose these topics, their efforts in making a positive contribution, and their outcomes. This statement will be a basis for discussion as part of the interview.

Tenure-track and tenured positions

Assistant professors at ISTA are independent group leaders with an initial contract of six years, at the end of which they are reviewed by international peers. A positive evaluation leads to promotion to the tenured professor position.

Candidates for tenured professors are distinguished scientists in their respective research fields and typically have at least six years of experience in leading a research group.

There is no limit on the number of tenured “slots”: we want all of our assistant professors to become tenured, and we support them in any way we can.

“Being an assistant professor at ISTA means having the freedom and resources to explore cutting-edge challenges in my disciplines. To have the opportunity to open a new research pole in such a dynamic institute and to witness the promising development of my group is priceless.“
Lisa BUGNET, ISTA Faculty since 2023

Research culture at ISTA

ISTA recognizes the importance of academic freedom in the advancement of science. The Institute fosters an interactive, collegial, and supportive atmosphere, sharing space and resources between research groups whenever possible, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations. The organization tries to minimize internal hierarchies and boundaries. The main organizational research unit is the independent research group, headed by a professor or an assistant professor.

“So many of the most exciting directions in science do not fit neatly into the traditional departmental paradigm and instead span multiple or even many disciplines. Research at ISTA is not influenced by departmental constraints because we have no departments — what’s valued is that you develop creative and innovative ideas that challenge the boundaries of scientific knowledge.“

Carl GOODRICH, ISTA Faculty since 2020

Graduate School of ISTA

One of ISTA’s core missions is to educate and guide PhD students towards becoming leading experts in their fields. Our Graduate School offers a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary PhD program designed to foster collaboration among research groups and disciplines.

Our rigorous PhD selection process ensures that we recruit top talents from all around the world. Once admitted, students become part of close-knit research groups, with each group comprising up to 15 members. This setting promotes close interactions among different groups and enables direct and personalized supervision for each PhD student.

Professors play an essential role in the success of our PhD program. Through mentoring during research rotations and teaching in our interdisciplinary core courses or specialized field-specific classes, they empower students to reach their full potential.

ISTA’s Graduate School fosters an environment that not only promotes academic excellence but also cultivates a spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and innovation.

“Dedication, willpower, and curiosity are the foundations of scientific success.“

Eva BENKOVA, Dean of the Graduate School, ISTA Faculty since 2013

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At ISTA, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values that we consider as essential in order to create and disseminate new knowledge and to take science into new directions. ISTA strives for a diverse community with an open, inclusive culture where scientists and staff of all expertise and backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, and physical abilities, can work and learn together. For more information, including our Gender Equality Plan, please visit: https://ista.ac.at/en/institute/edi/

Family Services

The balance between work and family life can be a significant challenge for employees and employers. Since its beginning, ISTA is offering a kindergarten on campus (for children from 3 months until 6 years old) and has had dedicated staff to assist employees with family-related questions. In addition, ISTA participates in the Work and Family Audit since 2014. This 3-year Audit cycle helps organizations to evaluate and implement family-friendly measures under the supervision of the Federal Minister for Women, Family, Integration and Media.

Family support includes a kindergarten on campus (for children from 3 months until 6 years old) and a Dual Career Office.

ISTA as host institution for ERC applications

ISTA can only be listed as host institution on your ERC (or other grant) application once ISTA has offered you a position as (assistant) professor.