The Medical University of Vienna is one of Europe’s leading biomedical research and teaching institutions, with around 6,500 employees and 8,600 students. As part of our regular PhD Call, held every semester, we invite highly motivated early-career researchers to apply for several fully funded PhD positions.
As a PhD candidate, you will be employed by the university and receive a competitive salary. Tuition fees are normally waived for up to four years. You will work under the guidance of experienced supervisors while developing and leading your own research project. Our structured PhD programmes provide a clear academic framework while allowing you to tailor your work to your scientific interests.
You will join a diverse, international research community and collaborate closely with peers, clinicians, and industry partners. The programme is designed to help you grow as an independent researcher — from experimental design and data analysis to scientific communication and publication.
Available PhD Projects:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning:
- Clinical pathways and decision support for patients suffering from acute chest pain
- AutoPiX (Imaging for Patient Benefit in Arthritis) – Explainable Deep Learning for Multimodal and Longitudinal Imaging Biomarkers
- Speaking Again- AI-Driven Voice Restauration of Pathological Speech
- Machine Learning and In Silico Modeling of Sex Differences in Temporomandibular Joint Function
- AutoPIX (Imaging for Patient Benefit in Arthritis) - Machine Learning for Imaging-Based Assessment of Arthritis
Life Sciences:
- Tumor Immunology - B Cells and Tertary Lymphoid Structures in Lung Cancer
- Altered Calcium-handling in the genesis of cardiac cancer-cachexia
- Characterization of undiagnosed Austrian LGMD patients
- LungEvity - understanding lung immunity in the context of age
- MASTer allergies - Understanding mast cells for innovative allergy therapeutics
- Evolution and biochemical control of skin pigmentation
Medical Physics:
- Neurochemical characterisation of epileptogenic and cognitive networks with 7T MRSI
- Deep Learning for real-time B0-Field Stabilisation at 7T MR Scanner
- Deep Learning for Motion Tracking in MRI
Public Health:
- Clinical pathways and decision support for patients suffering from acute chest pain
Further information about each project, including specific eligibility requirements and program details, can be looked up on our website.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct original research within one of 18 interdisciplinary PhD programmes
- Design, execute, and analyse experiments; interpret results and contribute to scientific advancement
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, clinicians, and industry partners
- Present your findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Participate in conferences, seminars, workshops, and scientific meetings
- Contribute to project development and grant proposals
- Engage actively within the MedUni Vienna research community
Your profile
- Master's degree or equivalent in AI/ML, mathematics, (bio)physics, (bio)engineering, (bio)informatics, cancer, immunology, computer science, (bio)chemistry, biology or cell/molecular biology, medicine or a related field
- Initial research experience through internships, projects, or employment
- Strong motivation to pursue independent research and contribute to improving human health
- Passion for science and interest in a career in research
- Interest in conducting your own research and leading your own project
- Willingness to travel abroad for conferences
- Ability to work both in a team and independently
- Excellent English skills (at least C1 level) - we are an international crowd and English is our working language!
What We Offer
- Employment at MedUni Vienna with a competitive salary (Uni-KV, VerwGr. B1; currently EUR 2.786,-- gross × 14 per year/30hrs per week)
- No tuition fees for up to four years
- Interdisciplinary PhD programmes with flexible curricula
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure (e.g. 7 Tesla MRI)
- Strong links to one of Europe’s largest university hospitals
- Mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities
- International and inclusive research community
- Flexible working arrangements
- Pension scheme, employee discounts, and subsidised canteen and public transportation
- Central location with public transport access
Requirements:
We encourage applications from qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree for their chosen PhD project and meet MedUni Vienna’s official admission criteria. Research experience or familiarity with specific methods may vary depending on the project. Candidates should have a strong academic or research background and a genuine interest in scientific inquiry. Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required, as all programs are taught in English.
For detailed information on the individual projects and their specific requirements, please visit our website: https://oc10.meduniwien.ac.at/open-phd-positions.
Selection Process:
- Document Review: The recruitment board will assess all applications. Shortlisted candidates are selected based on eligibility and qualifications
- Online Interviews: Scheduled for mid-December, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will meet up to three principal investigators (PIs) to discuss research interests and projects
- PhD Campus Visit: Final in-person interviews will take place in Vienna end of January, 2026. During the visit, candidates will have the opportunity to meet with our research groups, current PhD students, learn about our research and explore the university
How to Apply:
Please register in our online application portal and select up to three project titles of interest in the application form. Submit all required documents through the portal by 30 November 2025.
Applications can only be submitted once two reference letters have been received in the system.
Application portal: https://oc.meduniwien.ac.at/open-phd-positions
If you have questions, please consult our FAQ section or Application Guide on our website. For further inquiries regarding the application process, please contact via Email: stephanie.danzinger@meduniwien.ac.at.
At MedUni Vienna, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We believe that bringing together people from different social, cultural, and professional backgrounds strengthens our research and enriches our academic community. We foster a respectful, fair, and transparent working environment where qualifications and achievements are valued. The university is committed to increasing the representation of women, particularly in academic and leadership roles, and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Preference will be given to women with equivalent qualifications.
Information according to the General Data Protection Regulation is available on oc.meduniwien.ac.at/phd.