The AITHYRA Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence, part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, has officially opened applications for its International PhD Program 2026. The fully funded doctoral program invites outstanding students from around the world to pursue interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, biology, chemistry, and medicine in Vienna, Austria.
Applications are open from 1 September to 1 November 2026, with successful candidates beginning their fully funded four-year PhD on 1 September 2027. The program is designed for aspiring researchers who want to advance biomedical discovery through AI-driven experimental and computational science.
About the AITHYRA International PhD Program
AITHYRA is building an AI-native research ecosystem where intelligent computation, automation, robotics, and experimental biology work together to solve some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. The institute believes that future breakthroughs in medicine will emerge through collaboration between computational scientists and life scientists rather than isolated disciplines.
The doctoral program provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research while working alongside internationally recognized experts in molecular medicine, artificial intelligence, high-throughput biology, and laboratory automation. English is the working language, and applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Research Areas and Academic Focus
Doctoral researchers will investigate complex biological systems using advanced AI methodologies alongside experimental life sciences. Research projects may span multiple biomedical domains, including:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning for molecular medicine
- Geometric deep learning and representation learning
- Generative AI for biomedical discovery
- Molecular and cell biology
- Chemical biology
- High-throughput genetics and proteomics
- Laboratory automation and robotics
- Cancer biology
- Immunological disorders
- Infectious diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Students are encouraged to bridge dry-lab computational research with wet-lab experimentation, creating innovative approaches that translate scientific discoveries into future therapies and biomedical technologies.
Program Structure and Training
The AITHYRA International PhD Program combines independent doctoral research with structured academic and professional development. Each student completes an original research project under the supervision of an AITHYRA faculty member while participating in institute-wide scientific activities.
The curriculum includes:
- Interactive orientation and introductory training
- Individual doctoral research project
- University-accredited doctoral coursework
- Seminars and journal clubs
- Scientific workshops
- Research data management training
- Good scientific practice and laboratory safety
- Grant writing and proposal development
- Leadership and communication skills
- Career planning and professional development
- Participation in international scientific conferences
Students document their academic progress through AITHYRA’s doctoral workspace while receiving continuous mentorship throughout the four-year program.
Partner Universities in Vienna
Although students conduct their research at AITHYRA, doctoral degrees are awarded through one of the institute’s prestigious university partners:
- University of Vienna
- Medical University of Vienna
- TU Wien
Depending on the research project and supervisory arrangement, candidates enroll in one of these institutions and complete doctoral programs totaling 180 ECTS alongside their dissertation research.
Eligibility Requirements
The program welcomes applicants from both computational and life-science backgrounds, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration rather than requiring expertise in every field.
Applicants must:
- Hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree by September 2027
- Have qualifications in computer science, AI, machine learning, bioinformatics, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, medicine, biology, chemistry, or related disciplines
- Demonstrate strong academic potential
- Show motivation to work at the interface of AI and biomedical sciences
- Be interested in interdisciplinary and collaborative research
- Meet the admission requirements of the relevant partner university
Importantly, AI applicants do not need prior biological training, and life-science applicants are not required to have computational expertise. The institute values complementary skills and a willingness to learn across disciplines.
Fully Funded Scholarship Benefits
All selected PhD researchers receive a four-year employment contract with comprehensive financial and institutional support.
Benefits include:
- Minimum gross monthly salary of EUR 2,832.10
- Salary paid 14 times per year
- Full funding for four years
- Health, accident, and retirement insurance
- Research costs fully covered
- Work-related travel funding
- Subsidized lunch and healthcare services
- Access to cutting-edge AI and laboratory technologies
- International, multidisciplinary research environment
- Professional supervision from leading biomedical scientists
- Social, cultural, and sports activities within the institute
The salary follows the recommendations of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), making it one of Europe’s competitive fully funded doctoral employment packages.
Application Timeline
Prospective candidates should note the following important dates:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Referee deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Online panel interviews | 30 November–1 December 2026 |
| Onsite visit in Vienna | 27–29 January 2027 |
| PhD program begins | 1 September 2027 |
Both applicants and referees must submit all required materials by 1 November 2026.
Why Apply?
The AITHYRA International PhD Program offers a unique opportunity for emerging researchers to contribute to the future of AI-powered biomedical science. By combining machine learning, experimental biology, robotics, and molecular medicine within one collaborative institute, doctoral students gain the expertise needed to address global health challenges while developing careers in academia, biotechnology, and translational research.
For graduates seeking a fully funded PhD in Europe with strong interdisciplinary training and generous employment benefits, AITHYRA represents one of the most exciting doctoral opportunities for 2026.
