9 Fully Funded OHASIS PhD Positions in Austria and Italy 2026 | One Health Research Opportunities [Microbial Resilience in Alpine Food Systems, Sustainable Slurry/Manure Management, and Vector-Borne Infections]
If you are looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Europe, the newly launched OHASIS (One Health for the Alpine Region: Solutions and Innovation in Science) doctoral programme offers an outstanding opportunity to begin your research career. Applications are now open for nine fully funded PhD positions hosted by leading universities in Austria and Italy. The programme brings together experts in medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, microbiology, environmental science, biotechnology, and public health to address some of the most pressing challenges affecting the Alpine region.
Successful candidates will work within an international research network while receiving full funding, advanced scientific training, international mobility opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. The OHASIS PhD Programme 2026 is one of Europe’s most exciting new doctoral opportunities for students interested in One Health, environmental sustainability, microbiology, veterinary science, food safety, and climate resilience.
With nine fully funded positions, international collaboration across Austria and Italy, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and interdisciplinary training, OHASIS provides an exceptional platform for launching a research career while contributing to solutions for some of the most urgent health and environmental challenges facing Alpine ecosystems today.
Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | OHASIS (One Health for the Alpine Region: Solutions and Innovation in Science) |
| Number of Positions | 9 Fully Funded PhD Positions |
| Host Countries | Austria & Italy |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Funding | Full Salary according to Host University |
| Working Language | English |
| Research Fields | One Health, Microbiology, Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Public Health |
| Partner Universities | Medical University of Innsbruck, Vetmeduni, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, University of Innsbruck |
| Main Deadline | 15 August 2026 (Austria Projects) |
| Bozen-Bolzano Deadline | 27 August 2026 (12:00 PM Local Time) |
About the OHASIS Programme
OHASIS is an interdisciplinary doctoral programme designed around the One Health concept, recognizing that human health, animal health, environmental sustainability, and food production are deeply interconnected. The programme focuses on the Alpine region, where climate change, biodiversity shifts, agricultural practices, and wildlife interactions are creating new public health and environmental challenges. Researchers from four leading universities collaborate to develop innovative solutions that improve disease surveillance, sustainable farming, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and ecosystem resilience. Throughout the programme, doctoral candidates work across institutional and national boundaries while participating in specialized training and collaborative research.
Why Choose OHASIS?
OHASIS offers far more than a traditional doctoral programme. Students become part of an international research network tackling real-world challenges related to food safety, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, environmental sustainability, and emerging infectious diseases. The interdisciplinary training, international mobility, and collaboration with leading scientists prepare graduates for careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, biotechnology companies, and environmental research institutes.
Research Areas
The programme is organized into three major research clusters.
1. Microbial Resilience in Alpine Food Systems
This research cluster investigates how microorganisms influence food production, environmental sustainability, and public health within Alpine ecosystems. Researchers combine microbiome science, genomics, ecological modelling, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance to understand how microbial communities respond to environmental change.
Available Projects
- Microbial Resilience and Tipping Points in Alpine Food Systems Apply
- Integrated Genomic Surveillance Across Animal-Food-Environment Systems Apply
- Alpine Mycobiome, Fungal Diversity and Antifungal Resistance Apply
Research topics include:
- Food microbiology
- Whole genome sequencing
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Food safety
- Dairy production systems
- Climate change impacts
- Microbial ecology
2. Sustainable Slurry and Manure Management
Livestock farming generates large volumes of manure that can affect soil quality, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, and water resources. This cluster develops sustainable management strategies that balance agricultural productivity with environmental protection.
Available research projects include:
Alpine Slurry and One Health
Researchers study nutrient transport, pathogen movement, veterinary residues, and impacts on water quality. Apply
Circular Nutrient Management
This project investigates biogas-derived fertilizers as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional slurry. Researchers evaluate soil health, plant growth, nutrient cycling, and compliance with emerging European soil regulations.
Methane Reduction in Dairy Farming
The third project explores innovative feed additives and breeding strategies to reduce methane emissions from alpine dairy cattle. The research supports European climate objectives while improving sustainable livestock production.
3. Vector-Borne Diseases in Alpine Regions
Climate change has accelerated the spread of insects that transmit diseases affecting humans, animals, and plants. This cluster develops surveillance systems and predictive models to improve disease prevention across Alpine ecosystems. Projects include:
- Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Diseases Apply
- Wolbachia-Based Biological Control for Plant Protection
- Citizen Science Monitoring of Disease-Carrying Insects Apply
Researchers use molecular biology, PCR diagnostics, genomic sequencing, ecological modelling, and field surveillance to understand disease transmission and develop sustainable prevention strategies.
Participating Universities
Doctoral researchers will be hosted by one of the programme partners while collaborating across the entire OHASIS network. Participating institutions include:
- Medical University of Innsbruck (Austria)
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni)
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy)
- University of Innsbruck (Austria)
What the Scholarship Offers
Selected candidates receive a comprehensive doctoral package that includes:
- Fully funded three-year PhD employment
- Competitive salary based on host university regulations
- Possible contract extension under eligible conditions
- International research collaboration
- Cross-border mobility between Austria and Italy
- Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities
- Specialized One Health training
- Scientific writing and research methodology courses
- Data analysis and innovation workshops
- Collaboration with the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES)
- Networking with NGOs and international research organizations
- Participation in conferences and scientific meetings
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following disciplines:
- Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Related scientific fields
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Strong interest in One Health research
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Scientific curiosity and innovation mindset
Some Vetmeduni field projects additionally require German language proficiency at B2 level. Applicants must also satisfy the doctoral admission requirements of their chosen host university.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages.
Stage One
Academic evaluation of submitted application documents.
Stage Two
Online interview for shortlisted applicants.
Interview schedules will be announced directly to shortlisted candidates.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted in English.
Required documents include:
- Letter of Motivation
- One-page project outline
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English language certificate (if required)
- German language certificate for eligible projects
- Contact details of two academic referees
Applicants may apply for up to two different PhD projects that best match their academic background.
Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2026 to:
Candidates interested in projects at Free University of Bozen-Bolzano must submit their application at the official platform within August 27, 2026 (by noon local time)
For questions regarding the content, please contact:
- Medical University of Innsbruck: Prof. Michaela Lackner Michaela.Lackner@i-med.ac.at
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni): Prof. Johannes Lorenz Khol Joahnnes.Khol@vetmeduni.ac.at
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano: Prof. Hannes Schuler Hannes.Schuler@unibz.it
Contact & Inquiries:
For institutional or project-specific questions, please reach out to the contact persons at the respective host universities:
- Medical University of Innsbruck: Prof. Michaela Lackner Michaela.Lackner@i-med.ac.at
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni): Prof. Johannes Lorenz Khol Johannes.Khol@vetmeduni.ac.at
- Free University of Bozen-Bolzano: Prof. Hannes Schuler Hannes.Schuler@unibz.it
Application Deadlines
| Host Institution | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Vetmeduni Austria | 15 August 2026 |
| Medical University of Innsbruck | 15 August 2026 |
| Free University of Bozen-Bolzano | 27 August 2026 (12:00 PM Local Time) |
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the OHASIS PhD programme fully funded?
Yes. All nine PhD positions are fully funded through employment contracts offered by the host universities.
How many PhD positions are available?
There are nine fully funded doctoral positions across Austria and Italy.
Which countries host the programme?
Research projects are hosted by universities in Austria and Italy.
What is the duration of the PhD?
Each doctoral position is funded for three years, with a possible extension under certain conditions.
What research fields are covered?
The programme includes research in:
- One Health
- Environmental Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Food Safety
- Microbiology
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Climate Change
Can international students apply?
Yes. International applicants who meet the academic and language requirements are encouraged to apply.
Is English required?
Yes. English is the official working language of the programme.
Some projects also require German proficiency at B2 level.
How many projects can I apply for?
Applicants may apply for up to two PhD projects.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter
- Project outline
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Language certificates (where applicable)
- Two academic references
When are the application deadlines?
- 15 August 2026 for projects hosted by Vetmeduni and the Medical University of Innsbruck.
- 27 August 2026 (12:00 PM local time) for projects at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.
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