The AITHYRA International PhD Programme is a fully funded doctoral programme at the AITHYRA Institute, a research centre established by the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, Austria. The programme invites outstanding candidates from around the world to pursue cutting-edge research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biomedicine. PhD researchers receive a competitive monthly salary, full social insurance, and comprehensive support covering travel and research costs from day one.
Quick Facts: AITHYRA International PhD Program
- Opportunity Type: Fully Funded PhD Programme
- Host Institution: AITHYRA, Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full-time, on-site research
- Nationality: Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated
- Minimum Degree Required: Relevant master’s degree; exceptional applicants with a four-year bachelor’s degree and first-class honours may be considered
- Eligible Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Medicine and related disciplines
- Work Experience Required: No specific work experience requirement stated
- Stipend / Salary / Financial Support: Minimum gross salary of €2,832.10 per month, paid 14 times per year, plus research funding and employment benefits
- Application Fee: No application fee
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Expected Start Date: 1 September 2027
- Funding Coverage: Salaried PhD employment, insurance and research-related expenses; individual travel, visa and relocation costs should be checked with the programme
What Is This Opportunity?
AITHYRA, the Austrian Institute for the Science of Health and Technology with Young Researchers in Academia, is a flagship research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), launched to position Austria at the forefront of AI-driven biomedical science. The International PhD Programme brings together a cohort of doctoral researchers to work on interdisciplinary projects spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, molecular biology, and computational medicine. The institute operates in partnership with established research centres in Vienna, offering an exceptionally rich scientific environment for early-career researchers. This is a structured employment contract, not a stipend — PhD researchers are employed by the Austrian Academy of Sciences and receive the full benefits of Austrian employment law.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Any nationality, international applications are strongly encouraged
- Hold a Master’s degree (or expect to complete one by September 2027) in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biology, chemistry, medicine, or a related field
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI and biomedicine
- Proficiency in English (language of instruction and research)
What Do You Get?
- EUR 2,832.10/month gross salary, paid 14 times per year (including holiday and Christmas allowances under Austrian law)
- Health, accident, and retirement insurance under Austrian employment law
- Work-related travel fully funded
- Research costs covered
- Subsidized meals and access to institutional healthcare
- Supervision by leading scientists in AI and biomedical research
- Access to world-class research infrastructure in Vienna
What Will You Do?
As an AITHYRA PhD researcher, you will:
- Conduct original doctoral research in AI for biomedicine, computational biology, or molecular biology
- Develop and apply machine learning and AI methods to biomedical problems
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across AITHYRA and partner institutes in Vienna
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
- Contribute to AITHYRA’s mission of establishing Austria as a global hub for AI-driven biomedical science
Fields / Areas
Research areas at AITHYRA include:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Computational biology and bioinformatics
- Molecular biology and cell biology
- Biomedical data science
- Structural biology and genomics
How to Apply
- Visit the official application page on the OEAW website: oeaw.ac.at/aithyra
- Review the available research projects and select those that match your background and interests
- Prepare your application documents, typically CV, transcripts, research statement, and references
- Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview (online or in Vienna)
Important Deadline
1 November 2026
The deadline is 1 November 2026. Submit your application well in advance, check the official AITHYRA page for any updates to the exact submission time.
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