Are you a researcher with a vision for the future, seeking a dynamic and long-term scientific career in a thriving European hub? The annual Ikerbasque Spain call for researchers is one of the most prestigious opportunities available, attracting top talent from around the globe to the vibrant Basque Country. This isn’t just about a job; it’s an invitation to join a world-class scientific community, contribute to groundbreaking research, and build a lasting legacy. In my experience advising aspiring researchers, the Ikerbasque program stands out for its commitment to long-term career stability and its focus on fostering genuine scientific excellence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate the application process and prepare a compelling submission for the upcoming 2026 intake.
The Ikerbasque Spain call for researchers is a remarkable opportunity to advance your scientific career in a supportive and innovative environment. It’s a chance to secure a stable, long-term position that will allow you to focus on what truly matters: making a meaningful impact through your research. The process is competitive, but with careful planning, a compelling research proposal, and a bit of proactive networking, you can position yourself for success. Don’t wait—start preparing your application, reach out to potential host institutions, and take the first step toward a rewarding future in the heart of Basque science.
The Vision: Why Ikerbasque is a Game-Changer for Your Career
Ikerbasque, the Basque Foundation for Science, was established by the Basque Government in 2007 with a clear mission: to strengthen the Basque science system by attracting and retaining top-tier researchers. Unlike short-term fellowships, the Ikerbasque program is designed to offer a genuine career path. The foundation recognizes that great science requires long-term commitment and stability, which is why it offers a variety of positions, from postdoctoral fellowships to permanent professorships.
This commitment to permanence is what truly sets Ikerbasque apart. It’s a chance to root your career in a supportive, collaborative, and well-funded ecosystem. Researchers are not only given the resources to conduct independent research but are also encouraged to lead their own teams and attract further competitive funding. This is the kind of opportunity that transforms a temporary research position into a lifelong career.
Who is Ikerbasque Looking For? Understanding the Different Calls
Ikerbasque typically opens different calls each year, each tailored to a specific career stage. For the 2026 intake, you’ll want to pay close attention to which type of position aligns with your professional profile. The two main types of calls are for Research Fellows and Permanent Positions (Research Associates and Research Professors).
The Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral Researchers)
The Ikerbasque Research Fellows call is a fantastic opportunity for promising young researchers. These are typically five-year, tenure-track positions designed to help you transition from a postdoctoral role to an independent research leader. The program is an intentional pathway to independence, providing the necessary support and a clear route to a permanent position.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
- Doctoral Degree: You must have a PhD completed within a specific timeframe, generally within a few years of the application deadline.
- International Experience: While not always a strict requirement, a strong international research profile and experience working outside of the Basque Country are highly valued.
- Research Potential: The committee is looking for individuals with a solid research track record and the potential to become a principal investigator (PI) and establish their own research line.
- Host Institution: A mandatory and critical step is securing an acceptance letter from a host institution in the Basque Country. This means you need to contact potential host universities or research centers well in advance to discuss your project and secure their support.
The Permanent Positions (for Senior Researchers)
For more established researchers, the Permanent Positions call for Ikerbasque Spain researchers offers a direct path to a tenured role. This is for senior scientists with a proven track record of excellence, leadership, and a strong history of securing significant research funding.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
- Extensive Experience: Candidates must have a PhD completed well before the eligibility cutoff date (e.g., before January 2017 for the 2025 call).
- Outstanding Reputation: The evaluation committee seeks researchers with an established international reputation for research excellence.
- Leadership Capabilities: You should demonstrate a proven ability to lead new research groups, mentor junior researchers, and attract external funding.
- Host Institution: As with the fellowships, an acceptance letter from a host institution is a prerequisite for a successful application. This letter should explicitly outline the host’s commitment to your research and why they want you to join their team.
An All-Encompassing Call: All Subject Areas Welcome
One of the most appealing aspects of the Ikerbasque program is its broad scope. Unlike many calls that focus on a single discipline, Ikerbasque is actively seeking researchers in all subject areas. Whether your expertise lies in Physical Sciences, Life and Medical Sciences, Engineering & Technology, or Social Sciences & Humanities, there is a place for your research in the Basque Country. This wide-ranging approach fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and creates a vibrant, multi-faceted scientific community.
Navigating the Application Process: Your Roadmap to Success
The Ikerbasque application is a comprehensive process that requires careful preparation. This is not something to be rushed. The most successful applicants I’ve seen start their preparation months in advance, especially when it comes to securing a host institution.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps:
- Find Your Host Institution: This is arguably the most crucial step. Ikerbasque works with a network of universities and research centers, including renowned institutions like the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM), the Basque Center for Climate Change (BC3), and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). You must proactively identify a center or university whose research aligns with yours and reach out to a potential supervisor or director. Your initial contact should include your CV, a list of publications, and a concise research proposal. The goal is to secure a formal letter of acceptance.
- Prepare Your Application Documents:
- Detailed CV: This should be up-to-date and highlight your key achievements, publications, funding history, and international experience.
- Research Project Proposal: This is your chance to shine. The proposal should clearly outline your research plan for the next five years. It should be ambitious yet realistic, demonstrating your ability to lead independent research and secure future funding.
- Letters of Reference: At least two, and ideally three, strong letters of reference are mandatory. Choose referees who can speak to your research abilities, potential, and impact.
- Host Institution Acceptance Letter: This letter must be on official letterhead, signed by a high-ranking official at the host institution (e.g., the Vice-rector or Director). It should detail why they want to host you and the resources they will provide.
- Submit Your Application: The entire process is conducted online through the Ikerbasque portal. Pay close attention to all instructions and double-check that every required document is uploaded correctly before the deadline.
More Than a Job: Life and Science in the Basque Country
Beyond the professional opportunities, moving to the Basque Country offers an exceptional quality of life. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. From the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the beautiful beaches of San Sebastián, it’s a place where work-life balance is not just a buzzword, but a way of life.
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FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between an Ikerbasque Research Fellow and a Permanent Position?
A: The primary difference lies in the career stage they are designed for. Research Fellowships are five-year, tenure-track positions for promising postdoctoral researchers who are looking to become independent PIs. Permanent Positions (as Research Associates or Research Professors) are for more senior, established researchers with a strong track record of leadership and funding, offering them a direct, tenured position within a Basque institution.
Q2: Do I need a host institution to apply for the Ikerbasque Spain call for researchers?
A: Yes, securing a formal acceptance letter from a host institution in the Basque Country is a mandatory and critical part of the application process. Ikerbasque positions are co-financed by the host institution, so their commitment to your research is a prerequisite for a successful application.
Q3: What is the eligibility period for the PhD for the Research Fellows call?
A: While the exact dates may vary slightly each year, the Ikerbasque Research Fellows call typically requires applicants to have completed their PhD within a specific timeframe, generally in the last few years. The official call specifications will provide the exact cutoff dates, and eligibility can be extended for special circumstances like maternity leave.
Q4: Are there any restrictions on my nationality or current location?
A: No, the Ikerbasque calls are open to researchers of all nationalities. In fact, a strong international research profile is highly valued. However, some specific fellowships may have an international mobility criterion (e.g., the applicant must not have lived, worked, or studied in Spain for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the call), so it’s essential to check the official call specifications.
Q5: What is the salary like for an Ikerbasque researcher?
A: Ikerbasque offers highly competitive salaries that include full social security and benefits. For the Research Fellows, there is also start-up funding for the research project, along with a relocation allowance for researchers moving from abroad. Exact salary figures are detailed in the official call documents.
