Do you have a strong desire to solve the brain’s mysteries? Up to 20 fully funded PhD positions in neuroscience are being offered by the recently created Center of Excellence (CoE) “Neuronal Circuits in Health and Disease” at five prestigious Austrian universities: the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), the Medical University of Vienna (MUV), the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), the University of Vienna (UNIVIE), and the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA).
The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) provides funding for these esteemed fellowships, which are available to highly motivated recent graduates worldwide who want to carry out innovative brain research. Apply Now:
When is the Application Deadline:
📅 30 June 2025
Tell Me About the Award:
The Excellent Brains PhD Fellowship 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded PhD program in Neuroscience offered by the newly established Center of Excellence (CoE) “Neuronal Circuits in Health and Disease” in Austria. The program brings together five leading Austrian institutions to offer interdisciplinary training focused on GABAergic cells, which play a critical role in brain function and are linked to disorders like schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy.
Fellows will benefit from cutting-edge research environments, international collaboration, mentorship, lab rotations, and tailored career development.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
- Neuroscience
- Biology
- Psychology
- Genetics
- Physiology
- Medicine
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Physics
- Other related disciplines
Type:
🎓 Fully Funded PhD Fellowship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field by October 31, 2025
- Be highly motivated with prior research experience
- Be proficient in English (no certificate required)
- Submit a complete online application with academic documents and two referees (one must be your Master’s supervisor)
- Candidates with a 4-year First Class Honours degree and strong research experience may also be considered
How are Applicants Selected?
A review committee from the CoE will assess applications based on:
- Academic performance
- Research experience and motivation
- Fit with the program and supervisors
- Quality of submitted documents
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for clarification or interviews via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 All nationalities are welcome to apply.
Where will the Award be Taken?
📍 Austria, across five top-tier research institutions:
- Medical University of Vienna (MUV)
- Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI)
- University of Vienna (UNIVIE)
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA)
How Many Awards?
🎯 Up to 20 fully funded PhD fellowships will be awarded.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
✔️ 4-year fully funded PhD position
✔️ Rotations in up to 3 labs across institutions
✔️ Advanced neuroscience courses and tools
✔️ Dual supervision and one assigned mentor
✔️ Relocation support to Austria
✔️ Career development and soft skills training
✔️ Participation in seminars, retreats, and workshops
✔️ Access to state-of-the-art facilities
How Long Will the Award Last?
⏳ 4 years
How to Apply:
🔗 Apply online via Microsoft Forms:
👉 Application Form
📎 Required Documents (merged into one PDF):
- CV
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Scientific motivation statement
- Research statement (on your most recent project or thesis)
- Preferred supervisors (3 choices)
- Contact info of 2 referees
⚠️ Incomplete applications or missing references will not be considered.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🌐 https://coe.univie.ac.at/?page_id=6
