DIS PhD Graduate Program | 2026

We are looking for students who want to use their exceptional knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in society – whether supporting the green transition, combating crime and misinformation, improving healthcare outcomes, or building more equitable economies. Applicants should be interested in having a substantial degree of independence in their work and be curious about a breadth of topics within the research areas of the Complexity Science Hub. They should be open communicators, and enjoy collaboration and sharing their expertise and ideas with others. 

Read about the Graduate Program in Complexity Science here

• Masters/diploma degree in the natural, physical, or social sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or related disciplines with a strong quantitative foundation; or another degree but with at least two years of full-time research experience in a quantitative area. 
• Prior independent research experience so as to be familiar with the research process
• Comfort with a programming language such as Python, R, Mathematica, Matlab, or Julia, or a database management and query language such as SQL; and/or substantial experience with statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, or Stata
• Proficiency in English

The Graduate Program in Complexity Science has a limited number of fully funded opportunities for exceptional students to do their doctoral studies at the Complexity Science Hub and one of its partner universities. The program consists of: 

• independent  thesis research, determined by each student’s interests
• two ~3-month research exchanges: one in government, public administration, or EU institution; and one in industry or business
• coursework and workshops, including an annual series of CSH “master classes” led by prominent guest lecturers
• participation in the CSH research talk series, with regular presentations
• international scientific conferences and schools, career development support, and transferrable skills training

• The application deadline for the current call is 11 November 2025 (24:00 Vienna local time). Admitted students will begin their PhD in approx. September 2026.

•  Application materials should be submitted through our online portal. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly to applications@csh.ac.at.
• A complete application includes:
  
  
  • curriculum vitae (CV)
  • vision letter / cover letter – What problems/challenges would you like to solve? Why is the Complexity Science Hub the right place for you?
  • portfolio of work
  • two letters of recommendation (sent directly by the recommender to applications@csh.ac.at)
    Subject: DIS PHD - FirstName LastName (of the applicant)

Late or incomplete applications cannot be reviewed. Recommendation letters must be received by 18 November at the latest.

Downloads

• Application instructions
• Letter of recommendation instructions

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