Predoctoral Researcher (PhD Contract): The University of Cantabria invites applications for Predoctoral Research Contracts (PhD) under the “Concepción Arenal” Programme for Predoctoral Researcher Training. This competitive programme aims to support excellent graduates in completing a doctoral thesis within the University of Cantabria, fostering their future integration into the Spanish higher education and research system.
A total of 16 fully funded predoctoral contracts are available across general and thematic research lines, with full-time employment, competitive salaries, doctoral tuition coverage, and additional funding for research stays.
Predoctoral Researcher (PhD Contract) – “Concepción Arenal” Predoctoral Research Training Programme
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Concepción Arenal – Predoctoral Research Training |
| Institution | University of Cantabria |
| Positions | 16 Predoctoral Contracts |
| Contract Type | Full-time, fixed-term (1–4 years) |
| Salary | €18,269.55 (Years 1–2), €19,574.52 (Year 3), €24,468.15 (Year 4) |
| Additional Funding | €5,000 for research stays |
| Tuition Fees | Doctoral tuition (academic supervision) covered |
| Application Period | 16 December 2025 – 15 January 2026 (14:00, CET) |
| Location | Santander, Spain |
Designation
Predoctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate) – Contract under Article 21, Spanish Science Law
Research Area
Open to all major areas of knowledge offered by the University of Cantabria Doctoral Programmes, across three exclusive lines:
- General Line: 14 positions (minimum 2 per major knowledge area)
- Women’s and Gender Studies: 1 position
- Biomedicine, Biotechnology & Health Sciences (IDIVAL–UC Collaboration): 1 position
Location
University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
(With possible funded research stays at external national or international R&D centres)
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a university degree qualifying for doctoral studies
- Completion date of previous studies within the eligible time windows (generally 2020–2021 onwards, with exceptions)
- Minimum grade point average of 7.00/10 in all submitted degrees
- Not already holding a PhD degree
- Not previously employed under a predoctoral contract for more than 12 months
- Must be admitted to and enrolled in a Doctoral Programme at the University of Cantabria (2025–2026)
- Compliance with Spanish Science Law (Law 14/2011, amended by Law 17/2022)
Job Description
Selected candidates will:
- Conduct original research leading to a PhD thesis within a UC Doctoral Programme
- Participate in research activities linked to an approved thesis project
- Acquire advanced research skills and doctoral-level competencies
- Undergo annual academic evaluation by the doctoral programme
- Optionally collaborate in teaching activities (up to 180 hours total; max. 60 hours/year)
- Undertake national or international research stays (minimum 1 month)
- Acknowledge UC and Government of Cantabria funding in publications
- Submit final scientific and training reports at the end of the contract
After successful PhD defense, the contract may shift to a postdoctoral orientation for up to 12 months, within the maximum duration limits.
How to Apply
- Submit the application online via the University of Cantabria Electronic Office
- Select the procedure:
“Convocatoria de ayudas contratos predoctorales Concepción Arenal del programa de personal investigador en formación” - Upload required documents (PDF format), including:
- Doctoral programme admission or enrollment certificate
- Official academic transcripts (with grade equivalence if foreign)
- Thesis project proposal (~3 pages)
- CV of the thesis supervisor (AEI CVA format)
- Research group scientific track record
- Sign electronically with a valid digital certificate
- Applicants residing abroad without a certificate may submit a signed paper application via legally accepted registers
Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will be rejected.
Last Date to Apply
15 January 2026 at 14:00 (CET, Spanish mainland time)
📌 Note:
This is a highly competitive, merit-based programme, evaluated in two phases (academic record + external expert assessment of research project, supervisor CV, and host group quality). Early preparation and coordination with a thesis supervisor at the University of Cantabria are strongly recommended.
