AEI (Agencia Estatal de Investigación)
Juan de la Cierva 2026
Round opens ~12 Nov 2026; verify exact close date when published
Last verified:
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.
Details
| Funder | AEI (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) |
| Budget | 3-year postdoctoral contract (~€35k/yr) |
| Deadline | 3 December 2026 |
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | ES |
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.)
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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