Fully funded interdisciplinary PhD Opportunities in AI/ML, Life Sciences, STEM, Public Health, and Medical Research at MedUni Vienna Medical University of Vienna in Austria

The Medical University of Vienna is offering fully funded interdisciplinary PhD opportunities for spring 2026, with projects spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, life sciences, public health, immunology, chemistry, cancer research, bioinformatics, and medical physics. Candidates apply directly to specific PhD projects, each with its own eligibility criteria and requirements, as detailed on the university’s application portal. The university hosts 18 structured PhD programmes designed to prepare graduates for independent research careers in academia, industry, or the health sector. These programmes combine rigorous scientific training with hands-on research experience, fostering both disciplinary expertise and transferable skills in research management and innovation.

Doctoral candidates join established research teams, design and conduct their own projects, and benefit from advanced research infrastructure and supervision by experienced scientists. MedUni Vienna’s close connection to one of the largest hospital networks in the German-speaking region provides access to patient data, clinical collaborations, and biological samples, supporting translational and patient-centred research. Example projects include AI-driven clinical decision support, explainable deep learning for medical imaging, voice restoration using AI, tumor immunology, cardiac cancer-cachexia, allergy therapeutics, skin pigmentation evolution, neurochemical characterisation of epileptogenic networks, and public health pathways. PhD candidates are employed by the university, receiving a competitive salary, full health insurance, and pension benefits.

The initial contract is for one year, renewable based on progress, with no tuition fees for the regular study period (including non-EU students with researcher residence permits). Vienna offers affordable living and is highly ranked for quality of life. The doctoral programmes aim to develop expert-level knowledge, independent scientific thinking, technical and analytical skills, academic writing and presentation abilities, and personal and professional development for research careers.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, strong English skills, analytical abilities, motivation for interdisciplinary research, and interest in independent project management. Preferred qualifications include prior research experience and international exposure. Applications are submitted via the online portal, with a deadline of 30 November 2025. Online interviews are scheduled for mid-December, and selected candidates will be invited for a campus visit in late January 2026.

Applicants may select up to three projects and must ensure they meet all project-specific requirements. All documents should be submitted in English or German, with self-translations accepted during application and official translations required upon admission. For further details, consult the PhD Call Application Manual or contact [email protected].