# Juan de la Cierva 2026

**Funder:** AEI (Agencia Estatal de Investigación)
**Budget:** 3-year postdoctoral contract (~€35k/yr)
**Deadline:** 3 December 2026 (Round opens ~12 Nov 2026; verify exact close date when published)
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** No — individual postdoctoral contract at a Spanish R&D centre
**Application:** Single-stage
**Frequency:** Annual (opens each November)
**Next round:** 2027-11
**Eligible countries:** ES
**Official call:** https://www.aei.gob.es/en
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Juan de la Cierva is the AEI flagship early-career postdoctoral contract (3 years) at a Spanish R&D centre. Mobility rule: must join a centre different from where the predoctoral training was done. (Formación + Incorporación variants were merged into one scheme.)

## Summary

The Juan de la Cierva 2026 is a flagship postdoctoral contract from Spain's AEI, funding three-year researcher positions at Spanish R&D centres with a salary of approximately €35,000 per year (€90,000-€120,000 total). Early-career researchers must move to a centre different from where they completed their PhD, ensuring research mobility within Spain. The call opens annually each November and runs a single-stage evaluation.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers recently defended (eligible stage varies; verify eligibility window on AEI site)
- Researchers trained outside or at a different institution than the host R&D centre
- Applicants placed at recognised Spanish universities, national labs, or research institutes
- Researchers in any discipline; AEI funds across STEM, social sciences, and humanities

## Key dates

- Application round opens ~12 November 2026; deadline 3 December 2026
- Single-stage written evaluation
- Three-year contract at host institution

## Tips for applicants

- The mobility criterion is strict, your host centre must differ from your PhD institution; clearly justify why the new environment strengthens your research line.
- AEI prioritises feasibility and host-centre fit; include a strong letter of support from the host supervisor detailing research environment and supervision plan.
- Budget covers salary (~€35k/yr) plus research costs; detail how funds deploy across personnel, equipment, and collaboration within the three-year frame.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Juan de la Cierva contract pay?

The contract totals €90,000-€120,000 over three years, roughly €35,000 per year salary plus research support.

### Where can I hold a Juan de la Cierva postdoc?

At a recognised Spanish R&D centre, university, or public research institute; you must move to an institution different from your PhD training institution.

### Is Juan de la Cierva open internationally?

No, this contract is for placement at Spanish institutions only.

### When is the Juan de la Cierva deadline?

The 2026 round closes on 3 December 2026; the call reopens annually in November.

### Is the Juan de la Cierva a one-stage or two-stage process?

Single-stage written evaluation; no interview round.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/aei-agencia-estatal-de-investigaci-n-juan-de-la-cierva-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.