Big news for future scientists dreaming of doing world-class research in Europe. Austria has officially opened applications for the CeMM PhD Programme 2026, offering 15 to 20 fully funded doctoral positions for talented students from any country in the world who want to pursue cutting-edge research in molecular medicine and life sciences.
Hosted by CeMM – the Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, this prestigious four-year PhD programme is one of Europe’s most competitive and generous doctoral opportunities, designed for students ready to step into high-impact biomedical research.
A Fully Funded PhD in Austria — With Salary, Insurance & Research Costs Covered
Winning a place in the CeMM PhD Programme means stepping into a 100% funded doctoral journey in Austria — without worrying about finances. Successful candidates receive a comprehensive scholarship that covers:
- Full salary for the entire 4-year PhD duration
- Health insurance throughout your stay in Austria
- All research costs linked to your doctoral project
- University fees in full
- Work-related travel funding for conferences, collaborations, and training
In short, this is not just a scholarship — it’s a complete professional research package that lets you focus entirely on science, discovery, and impact.
Who Can Apply?
The CeMM PhD Programme is open to international applicants from all countries and is designed for students aiming to build careers in:
- Natural Sciences
- Biology
- Human Medicine & Health Sciences
- Medical Biotechnology
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical & Translational Research
If you’re planning to pursue a PhD in molecular medicine, biomedical science, or life-science innovation, this programme puts you right at the center of Europe’s most advanced research ecosystem.
Research Areas You’ll Work In
CeMM’s PhD training is built around some of the most urgent challenges in modern medicine. As a doctoral researcher, you’ll work in thematic areas such as:
- Infection & Immunity
- Cancer Biology
- Metabolism & Ageing Research
- Rare Diseases
- Network Medicine
- Design Chemistry
- Patient-Derived Organoids
- Bioengineering
All research is powered by strong technological pillars, including:
- Genomics & Proteomics
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Epigenetics & Genome Integrity
- Bioinformatics & Machine Learning
- Systems Biology
- Chemical Biology & Organic Synthesis
- High-Throughput Genetics
- Automated High-Content Imaging
This strategic focus reflects CeMM’s deep expertise in immunology and cancer research, in close collaboration with the Medical University of Vienna, making it a dream environment for future biomedical leaders.
Why the CeMM PhD Programme Stands Out?
What truly sets CeMM apart is the interdisciplinary training culture. PhD students don’t just work in one lab — they become part of a collaborative scientific community, learning from:
- Leading researchers at CeMM
- Faculty from partner institutions
- Clinicians and translational scientists
- Experts in AI, systems biology, and chemical biology
Graduates of the programme leave not only with a PhD, but with the mindset and skills to become future shapers of molecular medicine worldwide.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly through the CeMM PhD Programme admissions process – (Ref). Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, research potential, and motivation to contribute to interdisciplinary science.
Because competition is intense and only 15–20 positions are available, early preparation is strongly advised — including refining your research interests, CV, and motivation statement.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the CeMM PhD Programme 2026 is 30 January 2026. If you’re aiming for a fully funded PhD in Austria with global-level research exposure, this is one deadline you absolutely don’t want to miss.