Junior Leader 2027
”La Caixa” Foundation is offering 20 postdoctoral fellowships for researchers to carry out a research project in STEM disciplines at any university or research centre in Spain or Portugal.
- https://talenthub.upc.edu/en/jobs/r2/la-caixa-junior-leader/la-caixa-junior-leader-2026
- Junior Leader 2027
- 2026-07-20T13:00:00+02:00
- 2026-09-23T14:00:00+02:00
- ”La Caixa” Foundation is offering 20 postdoctoral fellowships for researchers to carry out a research project in STEM disciplines at any university or research centre in Spain or Portugal.
Jul 20, 2026 01:00 PM to Sep 23, 2026 02:00 PM (Europe/Madrid / UTC200)
Submit your application, amendments and allegations
Overview
The Junior Leader – Retaining (2027) call aims to support postdoctoral researchers of any nationality to continue developing their career in STEM disciplines at host institutions in Spain or Portugal. The program offers 20 post-doctoral fellowships to foster top scientific talent and leadership potential.
This call for applications is managed directly by La Caixa Foundation.
Are you eligible?
Before applying, make sure you meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Hold a PhD awarded between 23 September 2019 and 23 September 2024 (extensions apply for maternity/paternity, long-term sick leave, military service).
- Mobility rule (Spain/Portugal): Have resided or carried out your main activity in the host country (Spain or Portugal) for more than 12 months during the 3 years prior to the application deadline.
- Have completed international research stays outside the host country totalling at least 6 months during your PhD or postdoctoral research.
- Conduct research in STEM disciplines.
Required application documents
To complete your Junior Leader – Retaining application, you must submit all documents online in English:
- Letter of Expression of Interest (signed by the chosen host institution)
- Personal Statement (Max 9 pages: research track record, proposed research project, and references)
- PhD Degree Certificate / Diploma (with defense date clearly stated)
- Supporting Certificates (for PhD window extensions or mobility rule exceptions, if applicable)
Please review the official call rules carefully regarding English translations for any documents originally in another language.
What the grant offers
3 years
Contract duration
Max 100h/year
Optional teaching activity allowed upon center approval
Up to €115,500 (€38,500/year)
Research Budget
* Additional allowances: Family allowance of €1,200 gross/year per dependent child and a one-time relocation allowance of €5,400 gross (if applicable). Includes mandatory secondment (up to 6 months) and a high-level cross-disciplinary training program.
Timeline
Application deadline
Until 14:00 Spanish Peninsular Time
Interview candidates announcement
Publication of shortlisted applicants selected for interviews
Interview phase
Online interviews in English before a multidisciplinary committee
Fellowship start period
Final results announced on 10 March 2027; fellowship starts between 1 May and 31 Dec 2027.
Useful links
This recruitment follows UPC's HRS4R strategy and Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment principles.
Learn more
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