The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) wishes to support people who have been forced to leave their home countries due to war, terror or persecution, assist them with their integration in Austria and, in this way, provide them with a perspective for the future. Accordingly, as part of its refugee initiative, Austria's largest non-university institution for basic research offers 22 specially created positions for persons who are entitled to asylum and who have a technical or scientific education. Applications will be accepted with immediate effect.

“Science thrives on exchange - beyond state boundaries. Creativity and innovation can really only thrive by bringing together the best minds. An internship with the OeAW gives refugees the opportunity to develop their potential and to contribute their talents to our country. This offers opportunities not only for those who have been forced to flee, but also for Austria”, says Anton Zeilinger, the President of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

The OeAW offers internships of one to three months for up to 20 hours per week at several Academy research institutes, such as the Institute of Iranian Studies, the Vienna Institute of Demography, the Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, the Phonogrammarchiv or the Stefan Meyer Institute for Subatomic Physics. Among other things, tasks will include assistance in conducting socio-scientific surveys, laboratory work in the field of molecular biology or assistance with physical experiments. In such a way, refugees can resume their scientific career or gain insights into new areas of activity.

Application requirements include a positive decision on the application for asylum in Austria, a technical, academic or science-related educational background and English language skills.

For an overview of the internships offered and more information and contact addresses, see the new website at the Austrian Academy of Sciences