Incoming Call 2027: Postdoctoral Junior Leader fellowships – Deadline 23 September 2026

Key dates

• Status: Open
• End: 23 September 2026, at 2 pm Peninsular Spain
• Pre-selection results and call for interviews: 12 January 2027
• Selection interviews: 16 and 17 February 2027
• Publication of results: 10 March 2027

Key points

• 20 fellowships to carry out a postdoctoral research project at Spanish centres accredited as excellent by the Severo Ochoa, María de Maeztu or Carlos III Health Institute seals of excellence, or at Portuguese centres accredited as excellent by the Fundação de Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT).
• STEM disciplines (life sciences, experimental sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, technology and mathematics).
• Maximum duration: 3 years.
• Maximum amount: €320,100.
• Programme of training in multidisciplinary skills.

Requirements of the call

Researchers of any nationality are eligible for the Incoming modality of the Postdoctoral Junior Leader fellowships.

To be eligible for admission, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Experience: to have been awarded a PhD between two and seven years prior to the closing date of the call. The date of obtaining the PhD will be understood as the date the doctoral thesis is defended. Special deadlines apply for candidates with interrupted research careers.
• Mobility:

  For candidates interested in Spanish centres or units: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for a period exceeding 12 months in the three years immediately preceding the call deadline.

  For candidates interested in Portuguese units: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Portugal for a period exceeding 12 months in the three years immediately preceding the call deadline.

  Special deadlines will apply for candidates with interrupted research careers and for those who’ve gone through the process to obtain refugee status under the Geneva Convention.

• Complete application: only candidates whose application meets all the requirements of the call may be admitted.

Centres of Excellence

Researchers in the Incoming modality must carry out their research project at one of the Spanish research centres that have obtained the Severo Ochoa or María de Maeztu accreditation of excellence from the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, a Carlos III Health Research Institute or a Portuguese R&D unit classified as “excellent” by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. These are centres and units that stand out for their impact and scientific leadership at an international level and that actively collaborate with their social and business environment.

This includes the following research centres and centres of excellence:

• Severo Ochoa Research Centres
• Maria de Maeztu Units and Centres
• Carlos III Health Research Institutes
• Units of Excellence – FCT

FAQ

If you have any doubts about the call, please consult the list of frequently asked questions.