First Stage Researcher (R1) (Up to the point of PhD)

About

The Training of University Academic Staff (FPU) 2026 programme supports the training of the next generation of academics and researchers in Spain through predoctoral employment contracts linked to doctoral studies. The programme is managed by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and aims to strengthen research excellence and university teaching capacities by supporting doctoral candidates in high-quality research environments.

What is funded

The programme funds:

- A predoctoral employment contract to carry out a doctoral thesis.
- Research training and the acquisition of university teaching competences.
- Doctoral enrolment fees.
- Research stays in other institutions.
- Employer social security contributions and end-of-contract compensation.

Each grant has a maximum value of approximately €143,350, covering the full duration of the contract. The gross annual salary is approximately €23,000-25,000, depending on the stage of the contract and applicable conditions.

Duration

- Up to 4 years.
- Within this period, beneficiaries may benefit from a postdoctoral orientation phase of up to 12 months once the doctoral degree has been obtained.

Applicants must:

- Hold the academic qualifications required to enrol in a doctoral programme in Spain.
- Meet the specific eligibility conditions established in the call.




- Identify a host research group and supervisor at a Spanish university or eligible research institution.
- Complete their individual application through the Unified Applicants Registry (RUS).
- Coordinate with the host institution, which acts as the beneficiary organisation and submits the final application.

Applications are assessed on the basis of:

- Academic record (up to 75 points).
- Scientific and technical quality of the research team and supervisor (up to 25 points).

Key dates

- Call opening: 20 October 2026.
- Deadline for candidates to complete and close their application form: 12 November 2026, 14:00 (CET).
- Deadline for host institutions to submit applications: 20 November 2026, 14:00 (CET).

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact their host institution well in advance of the deadlines.

Organisation

Organisation name Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología Organisation Country Spain More Information https://www.aei.gob.es/en/ayudas-fpu-2026

The responsibility for the funding offers published on this website, including the funding description, lies entirely with the publishing institutions. The application is handled uniquely by the employer, who is also fully responsible for the recruitment and selection processes.

📌 Training of University Academic Staff (España)
🏢 Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología
📍 España