Friedrich Stricker

ISTA is advertising the 2026 ISTA-Fellow postdoctoral fellowship for a project hosted by Friedrich Stricker at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria . The new lab, CNIT Lab, works at the interface of chemistry and materials science , connecting molecular photoswitch design to macroscale function in liquid crystal elastomers , soft matter , and responsive materials. This is a fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position with a minimum salary of €73,500 gross and full social security coverage. Fellows gain access to ISTA’s world-class shared facilities, including scientific computing, imaging and optics, cryo-electron microscopy, nanofabrication, pre-clinical studies, a machine shop, and an NMR facility. On-campus accommodation may be available subject to availability, and ISTA also offers an onsite daycare and German-language courses. Eligibility is for highly qualified candidates who have completed or will soon complete a PhD or equivalent in the natural sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline. The post specifically welcomes applicants with a background in organic synthesis or polymer synthesis who are interested in building a proposal together with the host. The institute language is English. The closing date for the 2026 call is 2026-09-08 at 14:00 CEST. Applicants should read the Guide for Applicants, create an account at apply.ista.ac.at , verify the account by email, and submit the application through the ISTA-Fellow portal. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Friedrich Stricker directly to discuss the project and proposal.