Research Career
The European Framework for Research Careers (2011)describes four general stages or research profiles (R1, R2, R3, and R4) in the career development of researchers. UPC provides a broad range of jobs and call positions for each stage. Discover it!
Personal Support Staff (PSR)
Personal Support Staff (PSR) play a key role in managing and supporting research projects and teams. They are responsible for overseeing a variety of tasks, from management to operational and administrative functions, ensuring that researchers have the necessary resources, coordination and support to execute their work. Explore available opportunities here.
Introduction to Research (R0)
The R0 stage refers to individuals who are beginning their journey in the research field. This includes people who may not yet have formal research roles but are introduced to the research process through internships, traineeships, or early-stage academic involvement. Discover job and call opportunities available here.
First-stage Researcher (R1)
This stage includes individuals who are starting their research careers, such as doctoral students. They work under supervision in universities, research institutes, or industry settings, and focus on developing foundational research skills and gaining experience. Discover job and call opportunities available here.
Recognized Researcher (R2)
PhD holders or those with equivalent experience, R2 researchers have gained competence but still depend on others for guidance. They contribute to research projects and may begin to manage smaller tasks, but have not yet achieved full independence. Discover job and call opportunities available here.
Established Researcher (R3)
At this level, established researchers are researchers that have developed autonomy and independence in their work. They lead their own research projects, supervise junior researchers, and contribute significantly to their area or field through publications and collaboration. Discover job and call opportunities available here.
Leading Researcher (R4)
R4 researchers are the top leading researchers. They are recognized experts leading their research area. They guide research teams, manage large projects, and are responsible for shaping the direction of their field, either in academia, industry, or government. Discover job and call opportunities available here.
Career Pathway for Researchers at UPC
Explore the various research positions at UPC, from early-stage to leading researchers, and understand the pathways for advancement through each career level.
University Professor (R4) This is a permanent position that corresponds to the most advanced stage of the academic career. It refers to a person who leads their area or field of research.
Contracted University Professor (R4) This is a permanent position that corresponds to the most advanced stage of the academic career. It refers to a person who leads their area or field of research.
Research Director (R4) This is a position that can be permanent or temporary, linked to a specific project, and corresponds to a person who has developed a level of independence in research.
Associate University Professor (R3)
This is a permanent position that corresponds to a person who has developed a level of independence in both teaching and research.
Senior Lecturer (R3)
This is a permanent position that corresponds to a person who has developed a level of independence in both teaching and research.
Senior Researcher (R3)
This is a position that can be permanent or temporary, linked to a specific project, and corresponds to a person who has developed a level of independence in research.
Holders of a PhD who have not yet established a significant level of independence, and researchers with an equivalent level of experience and competence.
Lecturer (R2)
This is a temporary position that corresponds to a person who has not yet established a significant level of independence in both teaching and research.
Junior Researcher (R2)
This is a position that can be permanent or temporary, linked to a specific project, and corresponds to a person who has not yet established a significant level of independence in research.
Individuals who conduct research under supervision in industry, research institutes, or universities. This includes PhD candidates.
Assistant (R1)
This is a temporary position that corresponds to a person who is in training in both teaching and research.
Academic Career and Permanent Staff
Ensuring a strong and stable academic workforce is essential for institutional excellence. This framework encompasses key processes such as recruitment, career progression, and staff stabilization. Through structured programs, the institution supports teaching and research staff by offering transparent recruitment procedures, promotion opportunities, and integration initiatives.
Research Career path in Spain
at a glance
FECYT publishes this document annually, outlining grants and calls available for funding research positions (R1-R4) under the European framework. It includes application timelines and links for further details, starting with an alignment of Spanish SECTI positions to the European research career stages.
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