Summary
The ”la Caixa” Foundation is offering 20 postdoctoral fellowships under the Junior Leader – Retaining modality for researchers of any nationality. This program is designed to retain research talent by funding independent postdoctoral research projects in STEM disciplines at accredited universities or research centers in Spain or Portugal. The fellowship offers a maximum duration of 3 years with comprehensive funding up to €320,100 along with a multidisciplinary skills training program.
Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships, la Caixa Foundation, Spain
Designation
Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellow
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Fellowship Name | Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships (Retaining Call 2027) |
| Funding Body | ”la Caixa” Foundation |
| Number of Grants | 20 Fellowships |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Maximum Grant Amount | €320,100 |
| Host Destination | Spain or Portugal |
| Application Deadline | September 23, 2026 (at 2:00 PM Peninsular Spain) |
Research Area
STEM Disciplines:
- Life Sciences
- Experimental Sciences
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Technology
- Mathematics
Location
Any university or research center located in Spain or Portugal.
Eligibility / Qualification
To be eligible for the Retaining modality, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- PhD Defense Period: Must have been awarded a PhD between 2 and 7 years prior to the closing date of the call (calculated from the date of the doctoral thesis defense). Special deadlines apply for candidates with documented research career interruptions.
- International Mobility Experience: Must have completed research stays at a university or research center outside Spain (for host centers in Spain) or outside Portugal (for host centers in Portugal) for a total of at least 6 months prior to the call deadline (during doctoral or postdoctoral studies).
- Residency / Main Activity Requirement (Retaining Rule):
- For Spanish host centers: Candidates must have resided or carried out their primary activity (work, study, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately preceding the closing date.
- For Portuguese host centers: Candidates must have resided or carried out their primary activity in Portugal for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately preceding the closing date.
- Submission: Must complete and submit a full application meeting all rules of participation before the deadline.
Job Description
- Conduct an independent research project in a chosen STEM field at a self-selected host university or research center in Spain or Portugal.
- Manage research resources and funding allocated under the €320,100 maximum grant.
- Participate in the ”la Caixa” Foundation’s tailored multidisciplinary skills training program to enhance leadership, research management, and technology transfer capabilities.
- Collaborate within international research teams and present scientific outputs at global conferences and scientific journals.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships – Retaining Call portal.
- Register and log in through the application platform (“VISIT THE PORTAL”).
- Complete the online application form and upload all requested documentation (proof of PhD, mobility certificates, host center commitment, and project proposal).
- Ensure submission before the call deadline.
Last Date to Apply
September 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM (Peninsular Spain time)
Important Selection Timeline:
- Pre-selection results & Call for interviews: January 12, 2027
- Selection interviews: February 24 & 25, 2027
- Publication of final results: March 10, 2027
