Why apply for a MSCA-PF @ the University of Vienna?
The University of Vienna provides extensive support to MSCA-PF candidates with the necessary profile to become world-class researchers at the top-rated University in Austria.
Over the past two years, the University has had extremely positive results in the MSCA Fellowship calls. 17 MSCA fellowships were awarded to the University in the 2020 call, and 23 in the 2021 call, the highest number ever awarded to the University in a single call. The success rate for University of Vienna applicants in the 2021 call was almost 30%, compared to the average of 13.8%.
Expression of Interest (EoI)
The University of Vienna will return to running an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the 2023 call. Through the EoI, potential fellows will identify a supervisor who can guide them in the next stage of their research career and take advantage of the support services offered at the University to help them prepare a successful proposal. Instructions on how to complete your EoI are available under EoI Application Process & Deadlines.
Advantages of applying for a MSCA-PF @ the University of Vienna
- We are the largest teaching and research institution in Austria.
- There are 15 faculties, 5 centres, 24 research platforms devoted to both basic and applied research.
- We offer state-of-the-art facilities, extensive research infrastructure and the oldest library in the German speaking world.
- Post-doc salaries are based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff and paid 14 times per year.
- The University offers flexible working hours (based on core hours), childcare and language learning facilities.
- The University currently ranks 11th among the most international universities in the world and is the top-ranked Austrian University in the 2022 World University Rankings.
- Vienna is consistently rated as one of the best cities to live in and has topped the the Mercer Quality of Life Ranking for 10 straight years.
- The University and Research Services Department have extensive experience with MSCA Fellowships as we host the highest number of Fellows in Austria. Successful applicants will receive support from the Research Services Department during proposal preparation including guidance documents, personalised feedback and in-depth proposal checks.
- As a result of the two previous Programmes, 17 MSCA fellowships were awarded to the University in the 2020 call, and 18 in the 2021 call, the highest numbers ever awarded to the University in one year! With a record success rate of 23% in the 2021 call.
- Extra Funding for a 3rd Year: The 10 top-ranked MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships (top 5 female and top 5 male) awarded to the University (based on the score given by the European Commission) will receive an additional third year of salary, allowing the fellow and supervisor to carry out additional research, publication, training or grant writing. As this third year is funded separately by the University, the activities should be related to, but distinct from what will be carried out during the first two years of the project.
How to apply?
- Submission to the EoI will open on 20 February 2023.
- In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to prepare!
- Draft your C.V. using the required form.
- Draft your project title and short description of the proposed project (including your reason for applying at the University of Vienna and with your selected supervisor). Max 250 words.
Supervisors
The University of Vienna is subdivided into 15 faculties and five centres and 21 research platforms. Faculties are responsible for research and teaching, while centres fulfil specific tasks for the University or predominantly serve either as research or as teaching bodies.
The list of supervisors will be opened on 20.02.2023.
Eligibility & Profile
Only experienced researchers can apply and this means that:
- Supported fellows must be postdoctoral researchers at the date of the call deadline, i.e. in a possession of a doctoral degree, defined as a successfully defended doctoral thesis, even if the doctoral degree has yet to be awarded.
- At the call deadline, supported researchers must have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research, measured from the date that the researcher was in a possession of a doctoral degree and certified by appropriate documents. Years of experience outside research and career breaks (e.g. due to parental leave*), will not be taken into account.*
Mobility Rule
- Between 14 September 2020 and 13 September 2023 you have not been in Austria for more than 12 months.
If you cannot demonstrate you met the eligibility criteria, your EoI application will not be considered.
* You can also calculate your eligibility through the "MSCA_PF: Self-assessment tool for the calculation of the 8-years research experience" available on this page. Please contact us if you have questions about your eligibility.
You should be able to satisfy most of the following requirements:
- A good publication track record.
- Have presented at well-established seminars, conferences.
- Been involved in the organisation of workshops/conferences.
- Been a member of a review panel or editorial board.
- Hold academic/professional memberships.
- Won prizes or other awards for research and/or other related achievements.
- Have demonstrable leadership, teaching and/or supervisory experience.
- Been involved in public engagement knowledge transfer activities.
- Hold mobility/international experience.
EoI Application Process & Deadlines
Expression of Interest
- Search for a supervisor by faculty in the drop down menu, or find one in the wider University.
- Prepare a 5-page CV according to the template.
- Prepare a brief project outline (including your reasons for coming to Vienna and for choosing your supervisor – max. 350 words)
- Complete the online form, attaching your project outline and CV.
- Submit your EoI by 6 April, 2023 @ 17:00 CET.
- You will be notified by 5 May, 2023* if your EoI has been successful and will be taken forward to a full application.
- We will work with you and your supervisor to prepare a full MSCA-PF application to be submitted by 13 September 2023.
Submission Restrictions and Notices(*)
- We are only inviting applications for European Fellowships as unfortunately we are not unable to accept applications for Global Fellowships. Please note that "European" and "Global" does not refer to the nationality of the applicant but the destination country of the fellowship.
- For your EoI application to be considered you must demonstrate you met the eligibility criteria and submit one complete application in English before the deadline.
- Should you submit more than once, only the first EoI will be accepted. Subsequent EoIs will be ignored.
*Deadlines are subject to change, especially if the call specific information from the European Commission is delayed.
Contact
For any questions please contact us:
Research Services and Career Development
Berggasse 7, 2. Stock
1090 Wien
T: +43-1-4277-18271 or
T: +43-1-4277-18262