We have compiled all the available European, national, regional, and private funding to fund your position within the public and private sectors.
In this document, you will find the following:
- A non-exhaustive list of programmes published in the last 2 years.
- An alignment of the programmes to the European Research Career Framework so you can map your competence, merits, and tasks to the programmes.
- The first and last year after the thesis, you can apply for each program (when indicated).
- The size of the box represents the duration of the contract.
- A link to the websites where calls are published so that you can stay tuned for the future opening of calls.
Download the 7th edition of the career path in Spain at a glance!
Information to plan your funding application
Whenever planning to apply for a funding programme call, there are a set of important aspects to consider:
- Time criteria: it is usually set as the years before or after the thesis defence. Check it always! One month above or below can restrict your opportunities significantly. In the document above, we have included this information. However, time criteria can be extended within the same programme because of several factors, such as maternal or parental leave and dependence-caring duties.
- International mobility criteria: it is usually set as a minimum of years abroad to be able to apply for the call. Sometimes the mobility must have happened in a certain amount of months or years before the opening or closing of the call. Please, distinguish this criterion when working as an evaluation criterion when international mobility is not required but positively evaluated.
- Mobility criteria: it is similar to the international mobility criterion but not necessarily meaning international mobility, just mobility among institutions.
- Career Stage target: this is not usually a criterion, but it is essential to understand at what stage of your career you are to decide if a particular call suits you. You can also look at the career stage of previous awardees. In case of doubts…always apply!
- Partnering (host) requirement: in several programs, the funding body requires a designated host to either apply simultaneously with you or agree to your application beforehand. Occasionally, this agreement is incorporated within the same application, while in other cases, the public research organization or university must submit a separate application
The type of funding included in the “career path at a glance!” is funding aiming primarily to pay for your salary. Grants and funds to subsidize other research activities such as knowledge transfer, projects, short stage, and infrastructures can be found here. Of the listed programmes, some also include other funding concepts such as an amount to start your project (starting package), mobility allowance, or children allowance. It is interesting to read the call carefully and understand what is funded.
All research activity in Spain is considered a working relationship between the institution and researcher, so the awarded funds must cover all the expenses related to your contract. In general terms, these are:
- Employer’s social security contribution. This is about 30% of the total amount; however, this withdrawal varies depending on the type of contract. You should check with your future employer.
- General taxes include employees´ social security, about 4%, and personal income taxes.
- Overheads and other indirect costs are also other withdrawals to consider.
Check with your future hosts to help you calculate your net salary from your fellowship or programme.
Procedures to apply are specified in the call of the programme. Please read previous calls carefully to understand what you need to prepare beforehand.
Some calls are open yearly or half-yearly and can be submitted all around; however, evaluation committees come together once per year. Others can only be presented during the indicated time that the call is open. Please, check carefully and stay tuned to find out when they are available.
Many calls are published in the EURAXESS Job Portal, so check it often.
Other interesting information
Funding in Spain
To obtain information about funding for projects, please visit this page.
EURAXESS Jobs
To find open calls, job offers or partner host, please visit this page.
Severo Ochoa Centers and María Maeztu Units of Excellence
Find open job positions at