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Understanding positions linked to research projects

Understanding positions linked to research projects

Positions offered by funded projects

Positions offered by funded projects vary. While some institutions rely on competitive funding to support specific projects, others may receive funding through collaborations with the private sector. Regardless of the funding source, institutions can use these funds to hire staff if permitted. For many research groups, their main source of funding comes from competitive funding that they apply for to fund a specific project.

For positions funded by public projects, resources allocated for hiring staff may be restricted, and funding agencies might stipulate specific working conditions, career development plans, and recruitment processes for the future employer or host organization.

How to apply for project funded positions? 

The application process for these project-funded positions varies widely based on the rules set by the funding agency and the talent attraction and human resources strategies of the institution. Many institutions post job openings on portals like EURAXESS Jobs, but it's also advisable to reach out directly to research groups of interest, as they may receive funding for hiring.

The case of FPI -Formación del Personal Investigador

One notable example is the FPI (Formación del Personal Investigador) fellowships funded by the Spanish Research Agency, which aim to support PhD positions linked to specific projects under the Knowledge Generation Programme. The recruitment process for these fellowships is typically handled by the institution, and the approach may vary depending on institutional practices.

How to apply for FPI?

To identify which research groups have been funded with FPI funds, applicants can consult the outcomes published on the Spanish Agency's website(in Spanish) after the evaluation process of the Knowledge Generation Programme projects is completed. Additionally, reaching out to the Principal Investigator of the awarded project can provide insight into the recruitment process that the institution will follow.