IST Internship Summer Program In Austria | Fully Funded

SCIENTIFIC INTERNSHIPS (YEAR-ROUND)

Students who are either pursuing or have obtained a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in the natural or computer sciences, mathematics or any related discipline are eligible to apply for a scientific intern position at ISTA. A scientific intern can be appointed for a period of up to 1 year.

Candidates are selected by the head of a research group (Professor or Assistant Professor) or the staff scientists and the appointment is subject to the availability of sufficient funds for the salary of the scientific intern and a formal approval of the Academic Affairs division. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, and those interested in an independent scientific intern position at ISTA should contact the respective group leader or staff scientist directly.

APPLICATION

1. Identify which research group / scientist you’re most interested in working with. In order to find out about the range of research groups available, please browse this overview of research groups or list of staff scientists.
2. Once you’ve found a research group you’d like to work with, email the research group leader / staff scientist directly, remembering to include:
   –  a short intro to your background, and your motivation to work with them
   –  an attached CV (in PDF format), listing relevant experience, education history
   –  possible dates for your internship (start date must be at least 2 months ahead)
3. If they are interested in hosting you as a scientific intern in their group, they or their assistant will be in touch with you for further steps, requesting further information through our application portal.

Please note:

1. Not all research groups/units are able to accept an intern. Before applying, candidates should take a closer look at the webpages to make sure their profile and research interests match the groups’ research topics.
2. We only take complete applications into consideration. Incomplete and/or irrelevant applications will NOT be processed. Due to the sheer volume of applications we receive, we only reply to selected candidates.

Overview

Outstanding bachelor’s and master’s students can join IST Austria in the ISTernship program. Students who are interested in basic research in the fields of biology, computer science, data science & scientific computing, mathematics, physics, neuroscience, chemistry & materials, and interdisciplinary areas, are encouraged to apply. The call is now open.

THE ISTERNSHIP SUMMER PROGRAM

The ISTernship (“IST-” + “(int)ernship“) is a summer internship program for bachelor’s and master’s students who are looking to expand their scientific research experience. Every summer since 2013, roughly 30-40 students join the ISTernship program and work closely with our faculty or a lab member on a short research project.

As part of the application, prospective interns choose a group to work in, and successful applicants agree on a research project with the group leader.

Upon arrival, ISTerns receive an introduction to research at IST Austria as well as an introduction to the IST Austria Graduate School. The program culminates with a research symposium, where ISTerns present their work to peers, faculty and lab mentors.

Internships are full-time and will be conducted exclusively in English.

INTERDISCIPLINARITY

Our Graduate Program is characterized by modern comprehensive training with a special focus on interdisciplinarity.

There are seven tracks of study:

Biology

Biology at IST Austria encompasses a wide variety of research areas, from structural and molecular biology to cell and development biology to systems and evolutionary biology.

Biology is the largest track in the PhD program, and students benefit from a vibrant research community with collaborations within and across sub-fields. State-of-the-art facilities and interactions with mathematics, computer science and physics allow scientists to address complex problems with interdisciplinary scope.

COMPLETE BIOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Evolutionary Genetics
  NICK BARTON
• Plant Developmental Biology
  EVA BENKOVA
• RNA-based Gene Regulation
  CARRIE BERNECKY
• Social Immunity
  SYLVIA CREMER
• High-Resolution Optical Imaging for Biology
  JOHANN DANZL
• Genes, Circuits, and Behavior
  MARIO DE BONO
• Developmental and Cell Biology of Plants
  JIŘÍ FRIML
• Systems and Synthetic Biology of Genetic Networks
  CĂLIN GUET
• Physical Principles in Biological Systems
  EDOUARD HANNEZO
• Morphogenesis in Development
  CARL-PHILIPP HEISENBERG
• Genetic Dissection of Cerebral Cortex Development
  SIMON HIPPENMEYER
• Tissue Growth and Developmental Pattern Formation
  ANNA KICHEVA
• Evolutionary Genomics
  FYODOR KONDRASHOV
• Self-Organization of Protein Systems
  MARTIN LOOSE
• Medical Genomics
  MATTHEW ROBINSON
• Biological and Soft Matter Physics
  ANDELA SARIC
• Structural Biology of Membrane Protein Complexes
  LEONID SAZANOV
• Biomolecular mechanisms from integrated NMR spectroscopy
  PAUL SCHANDA
• Structural Biology of Cell Migration and Viral Infection
  FLORIAN SCHUR
• Neuroimmunology in Health and Disease
  SANDRA SIEGERT
• Invasive Migration
  DARIA SIEKHAUS
• Morphodynamics of Immune Cells
  MICHAEL SIXT
• Evolution, Development and Function of Motor Circuits
  LORA SWEENEY
• Theoretical Biophysics and Neuroscience
  GASPER TKACIK
• Sex-Chromosome Biology and Evolution
  BEATRIZ VICOSO
• Epigenetics and Chromatin
  DANIEL ZILBERMAN

Computer Science

Computer science at IST Austria encompasses a wide variety of research topics, based on a solid foundation of mathematical rigor and a focus on developing new algorithms and formalisms.

Foundations of software-systems theory, game theory, and formal methods (Chatterjee, Henzinger), distributed algorithms and systems (Alistarh), machine learning, discrete optimization, and computer vision (Kolmogorov, Lampert), data science and information theory (Mondelli), computational geometry and topology (Edelsbrunner, Wagner), cryptography (Pietrzak), security of decentralized systems (Kokoris-Kogias), computer graphics and physics simulation (Wojtan), and computational fabrication and optimization (Bickel) are some of the research strengths of our faculty.

COMPLETE COMPUTER SCIENCE RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Distributed Algorithms and Systems
  DAN ALISTARH
• Computer Graphics and Digital Fabrication
  BERND BICKEL
• Computer-aided Verification, Game Theory
  KRISHNENDU CHATTERJEE
• Algorithms, Computational Geometry and Computational Topology
  HERBERT EDELSBRUNNER
• Design and Analysis of Concurrent and Embedded Systems
  THOMAS HENZINGER
• Secure, Private, and Decentralized Systems (SPiDerS)
  LEFTERIS KOKORIS-KOGIAS

• Discrete Optimization
  VLADIMIR KOLMOGOROV
• Combinatorics and Probability
  MATTHEW KWAN
• Machine Learning and Computer Vision
  CHRISTOPH LAMPERT
• Data Science, Machine Learning, and Information Theory
  MARCO MONDELLI
• Cryptography
  KRZYSZTOF PIETRZAK
• Discrete and Computational Geometry and Topology
  ULI WAGNER
• Computer Graphics and Physics Simulation
  CHRIS WOJTAN

Data Science & Scientific Computing

Data Science & Scientific Computing (DSSC) at IST Austria comprises the most interdisciplinary track in the PhD program.

Topically, faculty in this track work on a diverse set of problems, ranging from mathematical models of evolution (Barton), medical genomics (Robinson), bioinformatics (Vicoso), systems biology (Guet) and theoretical biophysics (Hannezo, Tkačik), computational neuroscience (Vogels), to machine learning (Lampert), data science and information theory (Mondelli), distributed systems (Alistarh), computational fabrication (Bickel), physics simulation (Wojtan), geophysical fluid dynamics (Muller), and computational material sciences (Cheng). Common to these topics — and emphasized as the focus of the track — is the development and use of advanced data analysis methods, numerical simulation, and statistical inference to address complex and data-intensive problems in sciences and engineering.

COMPLETE DSSC RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Distributed Algorithms and Systems
  DAN ALISTARH
• Evolutionary Genetics
  NICK BARTON
• Computer Graphics and Digital Fabrication
  BERND BICKEL
• Computational Material Science
  BINGQING CHENG
• Systems and Synthetic Biology of Genetic Networks
  CĂLIN GUET
• Physical Principles in Biological Systems
  EDOUARD HANNEZO
• Machine Learning and Computer Vision
  CHRISTOPH LAMPERT

• Data Science, Machine Learning, and Information Theory
  MARCO MONDELLI
• Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
  CAROLINE MULLER
• Theoretical Biophysics and Neuroscience
  GAŠPER TKAČIK
• Medical Genomics
  MATTHEW ROBINSON
• Sex-Chromosome Biology and Evolution
  BEATRIZ VICOSO
• Computational Neuroscience and Neurotheory
  TIM VOGELS
• Computer Graphics and Physics Simulation
  CHRIS WOJTAN

Mathematics

Mathematics at IST Austria is an open, curious community, active in research that is inspired by both purely mathematical concepts and applications in physics, computer science, and other fields.

The groups on campus have strengths in a variety of areas, including discrete and computational topology and geometry (Edelsbrunner and Wagner), mathematical physics (Erdős, Seiringer), dynamical systems (Kaloshin), stochastic analysis and partial differential equations (Fischer, Maas), algebraic geometry and representation theory (Hausel), combinatorics (Kwan) and number theory (Browning). There are regular seminars and talks, and the mathematics groups work closely with each other, as well as with groups in other fields, including computer science and biology (Barton).

COMPLETE MATHEMATICS RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Evolutionary Genetics
  NICK BARTON
• Analytic Number Theory and Its Interfaces
  TIM BROWNING
• Algorithms, Computational Geometry and Computational Topology
  HERBERT EDELSBRUNNER
• Mathematics of Disordered Quantum Systems and Matrices
  LÁSZLÓ ERDŐS
• Theory of Partial Differential Equations, Applied and Numerical Analysis
  JULIAN FISCHER
• Geometry and Its Interfaces
  TAMAS HAUSEL

• Dynamical Systems, Celestial Mechanics, and Spectral Rigidity
  VADIM KALOSHIN
• Combinatorics and Probability
  MATTHEW KWAN
• Stochastic Analysis
  JAN MAAS
• Mathematical Physics
  ROBERT SEIRINGER
• Discrete and Computational Geometry and Topology
  ULI WAGNER

Neuroscience

Neuroscience at IST Austria covers multiple approaches, from structural, molecular, cellular, and systems level of analysis, to computational neuroscience and the study of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Understanding the function of the brain is one of the major challenges in modern life sciences. Particularly intriguing questions are how higher brain functions in brain circuits, such as encoding of information (Tkacik), neuronal networks (Vogels), learning and memory (Csicsvari), neuronal basis of innate behaviors (Jösch), motor circuitry (Sweeney), and dysfunctions such as epilepsy, autism, or schizophrenia (Novarino) emerge from elementary processes, such as molecular, cellular, and synaptic components (de Bono, Jonas, Shigemoto, Siegert) and their development (Hippenmeyer). In the multidisciplinary neuroscience track, we aim to examine brain function at multiple levels in both health and disease, as well as develop advanced techniques and optical tools (Danzl) for addressing these research questions.

A wide variety of cutting-edge techniques such as nanophysiology, nanophotonics, electron imaging, patch-clamp recording, genetics and genomics, mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM), 4D live-imaging, optogenetics, signal processing, computational modeling, neuronal network and behavioral analysis are employed to probe the complexity of animal neuronal systems.

COMPLETE NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Systems Neuroscience
  JOZSEF CSICSVARI
• High-resolution Optical Imaging for Biology
  JOHANN DANZL
• Genes, Circuits, and Behavior
  MARIO DE BONO
• Genetic Dissection of Cerebral Cortex Development
  SIMON HIPPENMEYER
• Synaptic Communication in Hippocampal Microcircuits
  PETER JONAS
• Neuroethology
  MAX JÖSCH
• Tissue Growth and Developmental Pattern Formation
  ANNA KICHEVA

• Genetic and Molecular Basis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  GAIA NOVARINO
• Molecular Neuroscience
  RYUICHI SHIGEMOTO
• Neuroimmunology in Health and Disease
  SANDRA SIEGERT
• Evolution, Development and Function of Motor Circuits
  LORA SWEENEY
• Computational Neuroscience and Neurotheory
  TIM VOGELS
• Theoretical Biophysics and Neuroscience
  GAŠPER TKAČIK

Physics

Physics at IST Austria comprises theoretical and experimental approaches.

On the theory side, research areas include atomic, molecular, and optical physics (Lemeshko), theoretical condensed matter physics and quantum dynamics (Serbyn), mathematical physics (Erdös, Seiringer), biophysics (Tkacik), physical principles in biological systems (Hannezo), as well as soft matter theory and materials design (Goodrich).

Experimental research is carried out in the areas of fluid dynamics/turbulence (Hof), geophysical fluid dynamics (Muller), soft and complex materials (Waitukaitis), quantum thermodynamics (Modic), nanoelectronics (Katsaros), quantum integrated devices (Fink), quantum sensing with atoms and light (Hosten), condensed matter and quantum circuits (Higginbotham), condensed matter and ultrafast optics (Alpichshev), nanoscale photonics for biology (Danzl), and NMR spectroscopy and biophysics (Schanda).

Experimental research in the realm of physical chemistry encompasses functional nanomaterials (Ibáñez), materials electrochemistry (Freunberger) and computational material sciences (Cheng).

COMPLETE PHYSICS RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Non-Linear and Time-Resolved Optical Spectroscopy of Strongly Correlated Electron Systems
  ZHANYBEK ALPICHSHEV
• Computational Material Science
  BINGQING CHENG
• High-resolution Optical Imaging for Biology
  JOHANN DANZL
• Mathematics of Disordered Quantum Systems and Matrices
  LÁSZLÓ ERDŐS
• Quantum Integrated Devices
  JOHANNES FINK
• Materials Electrochemistry
  STEFAN FREUNBERGER
• Theoretical and Computational Soft Matter
  CARL GOODRICH
• Physical Principles in Biological Systems
  EDOUARD HANNEZO
• Condensed Matter and Quantum Circuits
  ANDREW HIGGINBOTHAM
• Nonlinear Dynamics and Turbulence
  BJORN HOF
• Quantum Sensing with Atoms and Light
  ONUR HOSTEN
• Functional Nanomaterials
  MARIA IBÁÑEZ

• Nanoelectronics
  GEORGIOS KATSAROS
• Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
  MIKHAIL LEMESHKO
• Thermodynamics of Quantum Materials at the Microscale
  KIMBERLY MODIC
• Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
  CAROLINE MULLER
• Materiali Molli
  JÉRÉMIE PALACCI
• Computational Biological and Soft Matter Physics
  ANDELA SARIC
• Biomolecular mechanisms from integrated NMR spectroscopy
  PAUL SCHANDA
• Mathematical Physics
  ROBERT SEIRINGER
• Condensed Matter Theory & Quantum Dynamics
  MAKSYM SERBYN
• Theoretical Biophysics and Neuroscience
  GAŠPER TKAČIK
• Soft and Complex Materials
  SCOTT WAITUKAITIS

Chemistry & Materials

Chemistry & Materials at IST Austria comprises theoretical and experimental approaches.

Experimental research is carried out in the area of physical chemistry such as functional nanomaterials (Ibáñez), materials electrochemistry (Freunberger), or explores how one can change the behavior of microparticles by powering them (Palacci). Groups on the interfaces to biochemistry are interested in the physico-chemical aspects of protein dynamics and interactions (Schanda), and self-organization of protein systems (Loose).

On the theory side, research areas include computational material sciences (Cheng), or work on the intersection of soft matter physics, biology and physical chemistry, to study physical mechanisms underlying biological processes at the nanoscale (Saric).

COMPLETE CHEMISTRY & MATERIALS RESEARCH GROUP DETAILS ON IST AUSTRIA’S MAIN SITE:

• Computational Materials Science
  BINGQING CHENG
• Materials Electrochemistry
  STEFAN FREUNBERGER
• Functional Nanomaterials
  MARIA IBÁÑEZ
• Self-Organization of Protein Systems
  MARTIN LOOSE

• Materiali Molli
  JÉRÉMIE PALACCI
• Biological and Soft Matter Physics
  ANDELA SARIC
• Biomolecular Mechanisms from Integrated NMR Spectroscopy
  PAUL SCHANDA

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must be enrolled Bachelor- or Master of Science students (or similar) in good standing at a degree granting institution. They must have completed at least the fourth semester of their bachelor’s studies (before the respective start date). Students accepted to or enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible to apply.

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DURATION

2-3 months between May 15 and September 15. Exact dates and length are decided together with the supervisor.

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APPLICATION

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APPLICATION MATERIALS

We ask you to upload the following documents to the application portal:

• CV
• Statement of purpose
• University transcripts and diplomas of all degree programs and all years you have attended and/or are currently enrolled in (we recommend to submit these in the original language as well as in English)
• Contact information of 1 or 2 referees

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ISTERNSHIP PROGRAM INFORMATION

Successful applicants receive assistance with travel and visa arrangements.

Each successful candidate receives compensation to assist with the cost of living in Austria and travel to and from Austria.

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FEE AND SALARY

ISTA does not charge any processing or application fees for any of its programs at any stage.
Scientific interns will have an employment contract with ISTA and receive a minimum salary of EUR 1,462 gross/month. You cannot be employed as a scientific intern in ISTA if you are employed or funded elsewhere.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

ISTerns receive a monthly compensation. The ISTernship program is developed in cooperation with the OeAD, the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research.

The OeAD handles the scholarship payments for a period of up to 3 months between May 15 and September 15.

Successful applicants receive assistance with travel and visa arrangements.

• Interns receive a monthly stipend during their internship period at IST.
• Selected interns are provided with travel and visa assistance.
• Quality accommodation is provided to interns in any of the more than 100 residences at IST.
• On-campus housing is available
• Participants will be given an allowance for travel costs to and from Austria.
• Trainees have free access to the IST shuttle bus with hourly services to Vienna.
• The trainees will have access to affordable health insurance.

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HEALTH INSURANCE

Austria has a statutory social security system; this means that you will have access to health insurance as soon as you start your ISTernship program at IST Austria.

Austria has a statutory social security system; this means that you will be automatically covered by social insurance as soon as you start your PhD program or internship at IST Austria. IST will take the necessary steps to register you with the Austrian health insurance company (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse – ÖGK). You will receive a social insurance number once you are registered.

Social insurance is funded by social insurance contributions, which are paid both by the employer and the employee. Insurance contributions are calculated on the basis of the employee’s gross income.

Social insurance in Austria covers:

• health insurance
• pension insurance
• unemployment insurance
• accident insurance

The statutory health insurance offers a variety of high-quality services in the event of an illness, accident or pregnancy, e.g.:

• treatment for illnesses or accidents by panel doctors or specialized institutions (health centers, hospitals, etc.) operated by the social insurance system
• absence from work due to illness or injury (only for a limited period)
• parental leave
• basic dental treatment
• preventive care services

You can take a private health insurance in addition to the statutory health insurance. The benefits of the additional insurance depend on the type of contract you choose according to your personal requirements.

Co-Insurance of Family Members

Family members (spouse, children, stepchildren, foster children, grandchildren) living in the same household as the insured (they need to have a permanent residence in Austria) can be insured in the Austrian social security system.

HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES ON CAMPUS

A number of resources are available to ensure student wellbeing and safety on campus.

An occupational physician (general doctor) is present on campus on a weekly basis.

An occupational psychologist is available for consultation on campus every second week.

It is important to know that under normal circumstances, these services are entirely confidential and our Health Services cannot release information about the content of your appointments to anyone (including family) without your written consent.

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Lab Safety

Safety is of paramount importance to the responsible conduct of scientific research.

All IST Austria students are required to attend a health and safety briefing before they commence with their lab work.

Good Practice Officer

IST Austria strives to offer the best possible working, research, and learning environment for all employees and fosters a culture of mutual support, open mindedness, diversity, and inclusion.

Nevertheless, situations may arise in which professional support is necessary. IST has appointed a Good Practice Officer (GPO) to make sure students receive effective counselling and crisis support.

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ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

You can choose to live on campus in the IST Austria – owned and –operated apartments. This is a great way to connect with the campus community outside of labs and classrooms.

Single students as well as couples/families are welcome to stay in one of our over 100 residences.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

You can choose to live on campus in the IST Austria – owned and –operated apartments. This is a great way to connect with the campus community outside of labs and classrooms.

Single students as well as couples/families are welcome to stay in one of our over 100 residences.

Eligibility

You are eligible to live with us if you are:

• A PhD student who accepted our offer of admission
• An intern (or ISTern) who accepted our offer

If you have agreed to take our offer of admission as a PhD student or intern, our Campus services will send you an email with instructions on how to proceed with your residence booking.

Housing

Many employees choose living on campus in apartments. Surrounded by nature, and just a few steps away from the lab and office buildings, these apartments comprise over 100 residences, for both families and individuals.

For short-term visitors, IST Austria also has a guesthouse located in the Central Building, where individuals, couples, or families can reside for brief periods. 

Enjoy the benefits of living directly and conveniently on campus!

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

If you wish to live in Vienna or the Klosterneuburg area, there are lots of great neighborhoods to choose from.

Living in Vienna

In 2019, Vienna has been ranked the most liveable city in the world for the 10th year in a row by the Mercer Quality of Living Survey. Mercer’s annual index ranks 231 cities around the world on factors including political stability, healthcare, education, housing and public transport.

Vienna’s excellent public transport network, the topnotch healthcare, low crime rate, quality housing and the variety of cultural and leisure activities were the main reasons why the capital was ranked 1st.

Vienna is divided in 23 districts (“Bezirke”) that wrap around the 1st district like a snail- shell.

Living in Klosterneuburg

Klosterneuburg is situated only 18 km from the city center of Vienna. Its location between the Danube and the rolling hills of the Vienna Woods with its vineyards, pastures and forests provides an excellent environment to learn and grow. The city offers a wide range of housing options, from individual and shared apartments to houses.

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DINING

No matter if you want a substantial meal, a snack to go, or traditional Austrian coffee and cake, you will find a suitable place to eat and drink on campus.

Our dining experiences include:

• The cafeteria offers freshly cooked meals made of local, seasonal and well-balanced ingredients.
• Café/Pub. The café serves a selection of sandwiches, snacks, pizzas along with a range of hot and cold beverages.
• Other locations. Starbucks corner in the Central Building lobby on the ground floor, coffee kitchens in each building, vending machines.

There is also a Billa supermarket only a few steps away from campus. It provides you with everything you might need for your daily life.

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ISTERNSHIP COMMUNITY

There are a number of events either specifically organized for ISTerns or open to ISTerns aimed at making their time at IST Austria as valuable as possible.

• Weekly presentations providing short overviews of the research conducted in groups at IST Austria given by the relevant professors or their Postdocs (July & August).
• Invitation to the annual IST Austria barbeque (June).
• Annual poster session in which ISTerns prepare a poster detailing their research project at IST Austria (August).

BENEFITS OF THE ISTERNSHIP SUMMER PROGRAM

• Monthly compensation
• Access to affordable health insurance
• Allowance for travel costs
• Subsidized housing
• On campus housing available
• Free access to the IST Austria shuttle bus with hourly service to Vienna

About Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria)

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria is an international research institute in natural and mathematical sciences, located in Maria Gugging, Klosterneuburg, 20 km northwest of the Austrian capital of Vienna.

Address: Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria