FAQs - "la Caixa" Foundation
When will the next ”la Caixa” Foundation Postdoctoral Junior Leader fellowships call for applications open?
When will the next ”la Caixa” Foundation Postdoctoral Junior Leader fellowships call for applications open?
The start of the call for applications may vary from one year to another. If you wish to receive a notification when a new call for applications opens, you can do so by subscribing to the notification service.
Can I submit applications to more than one programme of ”la Caixa” Foundation fellowships?
Can I submit applications to more than one programme of ”la Caixa” Foundation fellowships?
No. You can only apply for a fellowship for one of the two postdoctoral programmes included in the current call for applications.
Can I apply if I have already obtained a ”la Caixa” Foundation fellowship in the past?
Can I apply if I have already obtained a ”la Caixa” Foundation fellowship in the past?
Unlike other ”la Caixa” Foundation programmes, if you have previously obtained a ”la Caixa” Foundation fellowship, you can apply for the Junior Leader programme to carry out your postdoctoral project in one of the eligible Research Centers.
However, fellows who have already availed a Postdoctoral Junior Leader fellowship cannot apply for the same programme.
I already submitted an application last year. Could I recover the information that I entered then?
I already submitted an application last year. Could I recover the information that I entered then?
I have already submitted applications in previous calls and I did not get the fellowship. Do I have less chances if I submit an application again?
I have already submitted applications in previous calls and I did not get the fellowship. Do I have less chances if I submit an application again?
No. The fact that you have already submitted applications in previous calls is not a factor that is taken into account when evaluating applications.
Can I obtain a fellowship for a short-term stay at a Research Centre?
Can I obtain a fellowship for a short-term stay at a Research Centre?
No. The duration of the fellowship is 36 months, to carry out a research project on a full-time basis.
The on-line application form only allows one “Research centre” but I am considering several options in this regard. Can I specify these other options in some other section?
The on-line application form only allows one “Research centre” but I am considering several options in this regard. Can I specify these other options in some other section?
Yes. In fact, it is highly advisable to have alternatives to your first choice, in case it turns out to be not feasible or you wish to choose another option when the fellowship is awarded. You can mention these additional options in your statement of purpose.
I want to carry out research and I am already in contact with a Research Centre that allows me start whenever I want. Should I get the fellowship, would it still begin in from April to September or can I start at the Research Centre earlier or later by some months?
I want to carry out research and I am already in contact with a Research Centre that allows me start whenever I want. Should I get the fellowship, would it still begin in from April to September or can I start at the Research Centre earlier or later by some months?
No, the start of the fellowship must coincide with the dates stated in the programme entry requirements.
Is there any age limit in order to apply for the fellowship?
Is there any age limit in order to apply for the fellowship?
No. In any case, the years of since you have got your PhD degree will be taken into account. The applicant must have obtained the doctoral degree within the two to seven years before the call deadline.
Is there any place I can find out information about moving to Spain as researcher?
Is there any place I can find out information about moving to Spain as researcher?
In the Euraxess Spain portal you will find information on administrative procedures that affect researchers and their families when moving to a foreign country.
Is there any place I can find out information about moving to Portugal as researcher?
Is there any place I can find out information about moving to Portugal as researcher?
In the Euraxess Portugal portal you will find information on administrative procedures that affect researchers and their families when moving to a foreign country.
Is a medical doctor equivalent to a PhD degree?
Is a medical doctor equivalent to a PhD degree?
A medical doctor is not equivalent to a PhD degree by itself but it requires the proven proof that its equivalence.
What is the requirement of geographical mobility in the Incoming modality?
What is the requirement of geographical mobility in the Incoming modality?
To be eligible to apply for a Postdoctoral Junior Leader Incoming fellowship, candidates who wish to carry out their research in Spain may not have resided or have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than twelve months in the three years immediately prior to the call deadline. Short stays, such as vacations, will not be taken into account when calculating the mobility requirement.Short stays, such as holidays, done in a country other than their country of usual residence (where they carried out their main activity), will be considered as time spent in their country of usual residence.
A candidate with an uninterrupted period of at least 2 years of inactivity in research (e.g. unemployment, periods of employment outside research, parental or long-term sick leave) must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 36 months in the 5 years immediately before the call deadline.
A candidate with an uninterrupted period of at least 2 years of inactivity in research (e.g. unemployment, periods of employment outside research, parental or long-term sick leave) must not have resided or carried out the main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Portugal for more than 36 months in the 5 years immediately before the call deadline.
On the other hand, those candidates who wish to carry out the research in Portugal should not have resided or have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Portugal for more than twelve months in the three previous years.
Compliance with the geographical mobility requirement will be reviewed at the beginning of the eligibility examination phase. It will be reviewed again, and definitively, after the date of publication of the final list of selected candidates.
See the following example:
A Spanish researcher completed her final year of degree in a Spanish university. She then moved to the Netherlands to hold a postdoctorate at the University of The Hague from January 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018, when she left her residence in the Netherlands. Since 01/11/2018 he is on vacation and as of 01/01/2019 he begins working in a Spanish company, where he plans to work for at least 1 year.
Is the candidate eligible to apply for the fellowship to carry out her research in Spain?. No, the candidate will not be eligible as she has been in Spain more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
START DATE - END DATE | RESIDENCE | PERIOD | ACTIVITY |
---|---|---|---|
30/09/2016 – 31/12/2017 |
Spain |
3 months |
Studies |
01/01/2017 – 31/10/2018 |
The Netherlands |
22 months |
Work |
01/11/2018 – 08/10/2019 |
Spain |
11 months |
Holidays and work |
Is my application number indicative of the number of individuals who are currently submitting an application in this call for fellowship applications?
Is my application number indicative of the number of individuals who are currently submitting an application in this call for fellowship applications?
What are eligible career breaks that are considered for the extension of the eligibility period?
What are eligible career breaks that are considered for the extension of the eligibility period?
Maternity or paternity leaves, adoption or long-term illness will be taken into account. All these circumstances need to be properly documented.
Which is the date to be considered for the granting of the PhD?
Which is the date to be considered for the granting of the PhD?
The date considered to calculate the eligibility period is the date of defence of the doctoral thesis.
For those candidates who hold more than one PhD degree, the date considered will be the date of the first PhD.
I have Spanish nationality but I currently reside abroad. Can I apply for the fellowship?
I have Spanish nationality but I currently reside abroad. Can I apply for the fellowship?
Yes, provided that you fulfil the mobility requirements.
I am a national of a European Union country. Am I eligible to apply for the fellowship?
I am a national of a European Union country. Am I eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Yes, provided that you fulfil the mobility requirement.
I am a national of a non-EU country. Am I eligible to apply for the fellowship?
I am a national of a non-EU country. Am I eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Yes, provided that you fulfil the mobility requirement.
I have been living in Spain for more than three years. To which subprogramme could I apply for?
I have been living in Spain for more than three years. To which subprogramme could I apply for?
You can apply to the Retaining subprogramme to perform the research in a Spanish institution or to the Incoming subprogramme to carry out the research in a Portuguese institution.
Is it necessary to be a CaixaBank customer to apply for a fellowship?
Is it necessary to be a CaixaBank customer to apply for a fellowship?
Can I send all or part of the documentation by e-mail?
Can I send all or part of the documentation by e-mail?
No. The documentation can only be attached to the application using the online application platform.
Can I send all or part of the documentation by e-mail?
Can I send all or part of the documentation by e-mail?
No. The documentation can only be attached to the application using the online application platform.
Can I submit paper copies of letters of recommendation?
Can I submit paper copies of letters of recommendation?
No. Request and receipt of letters of recommendation can only be done using the online application system for a ”la Caixa” Foundation fellowship.
How does the online letter of recommendation system work?
How does the online letter of recommendation system work?
Letters of recommendation are requested by filling in the mandatory fields on the application form, particularly on the “Reference letters” tab. Once this section has been completed, ”la Caixa” Foundation will contact the individuals who you listed via e-mail. In the e-mail, we will provide them with a webpage address where they can fill in and send the letter using an online form.
I have already provided my referees’ information on the online application platform. How long will ”la Caixa” Foundation take to contact them?
I have already provided my referees’ information on the online application platform. How long will ”la Caixa” Foundation take to contact them?
Contact is immediate. ”la Caixa” Foundation automatically sends them the e-mail as soon as you have provided the requested information.
My referees do not understand English. Can they receive the request for letter of recommendation in another language?
My referees do not understand English. Can they receive the request for letter of recommendation in another language?
No, only letters in English will be valid, as evaluation will be done by evaluators from all over the world.
There are aspects of my academic or professional curriculum that I cannot accredit with any document. Can I include them in the application all the same?
There are aspects of my academic or professional curriculum that I cannot accredit with any document. Can I include them in the application all the same?
No. You can only include what you can accredit with original documents in your application. Should you get the fellowship and be unable to accredit any of the achievements mentioned in your application, the fellowship will be withdrawn.
Can I submit my application, and if on the deadline for applications I am still lacking a document, certificate, or letter of recommendation, I commit to sending it a few days later?
Can I submit my application, and if on the deadline for applications I am still lacking a document, certificate, or letter of recommendation, I commit to sending it a few days later?
No. Each and every one of the requirements and deadlines must be duly complied with. Any incomplete application on the deadline for applications will be disregarded.
I did not get the fellowship. Can I appeal or redress this decision?
I did not get the fellowship. Can I appeal or redress this decision?
Within seven calendar days from the date the rejection notification is sent, candidates may submit redress by sending an e-mail to [email protected], which must include an explanatory text together with the documents that the candidate deems appropriate.
Redress will be resolved by a redress committee. The resolution will be sent by e-mail within ten calendar days from the date of receipt of the redress.
The redress procedure will be strictly confidential.
The technical or scientific appraisal of the evaluators will not be called into question. The selection and evaluation processes themselves ensure the independence and the objectivity of the evaluation.
Is it possible for me to know who evaluated my application?
Is it possible for me to know who evaluated my application?
No. According to standard practice in the selection processes using the peer review system, applicants are not informed of the identity of the individuals who will evaluate their application or of the composition of the selection boards who will interview the applicants. Nevertheless, once the selection processes have ended, a list of all the professors and researchers who took part in them will be made public.
What criteria are followed in the preselection process? And in the interview stage?
What criteria are followed in the preselection process? And in the interview stage?
Please, read all the details about the selection process.
Where does the interview take place and how long is it?
Where does the interview take place and how long is it?
The candidates connect by videoconference and are interviewed by a panel of evaluators that will gather at ”la Caixa” Foundation headquarters in Barcelona (Spain). Each candidate's interview lasts 30 minutes consisting on a 10 minute oral speech by the candidate and 20 minute discussion led by the evaluators.
Can I submit any additional documentation during the interview?
Can I submit any additional documentation during the interview?
No, under no circumstances.
Who makes up the Redress Committee?
Who makes up the Redress Committee?
The Redress Committee is made up of personnel from the ”la Caixa” Foundation who receive and handle any complaints and/or suggestions from the applicants.
I have just registered on the online application platform but the access codes are not working. How can I resolve this?
I have just registered on the online application platform but the access codes are not working. How can I resolve this?
To activate the account as an applicant, it is necessary to click on the link that you receive in the registration e-mail. If your e-mail account disables the links (e.g. Hotmail accounts tend to do this), you should copy the link to your browser’s address bar. You access codes will not be activated until you have completed this step.
I cannot register on the online application platform because I made a mistake when I provided my username (e-mail address). What should I do?
I cannot register on the online application platform because I made a mistake when I provided my username (e-mail address). What should I do?
Send a soft copy of your National Identity Card to [email protected] so that we can verify your information and make the necessary corrections.
I would like to include more information than what the on-line application platform allows in my curriculum. How can I do this?
I would like to include more information than what the on-line application platform allows in my curriculum. How can I do this?
The on-line application platform only allows a limited number of sections. You should select the aspects of your curriculum which you consider to best support your application. In the online form, you have a text field at the end where you can add additional information that you consider worthy of mention.
The online application platform does not allow me to attach digital documents to my application. What should I do?
The online application platform does not allow me to attach digital documents to my application. What should I do?
The documents have a size limit, beyond which the system rejects them and prevents them from being attached to the application. The online form specifies the limits for each case. Most of the time, file sizes can be significantly reduced by creating a pdf document and optimising compression settings:
a resolution between 90 and 120 ppp.
black and white or greyscale printing.
I have attached a new file as a replacement of another one that I uploaded previously. I cannot seem to see the new file. Why?
I have attached a new file as a replacement of another one that I uploaded previously. I cannot seem to see the new file. Why?
Most likely, you don't see the updated file because of your computer’s cache. You can clear your browser’s cache or delete all temporary files to see the right document.
My referee says that they have already sent the letter, but it doesn't appear as received in my application. What could have happened?
My referee says that they have already sent the letter, but it doesn't appear as received in my application. What could have happened?
It is possible that the letter has been finished but still pending of submission. It is necessary for the referee to submit it for the system to include it in your application.
Should I be accepted to a Research Centre beforehand?
Should I be accepted to a Research Centre beforehand?
No, but it will be necessary for you to contribute a "Letter of Intent" from the center you choose as the first option. Remember that this letter is not binding, so if you finally get the fellowship, you can change the centre if you decide so.
Can the Research Centres conduct interviews for acceptance to them?
Can the Research Centres conduct interviews for acceptance to them?
Yes, independently of the ”la Caixa” Foundation selection process, the Research Centres may conduct interviews or use any other means to get to know the applicants who aspire to become research fellows.
Should I receive the fellowship, what type of contract will I sign with the Research Centre?
Should I receive the fellowship, what type of contract will I sign with the Research Centre?
The Research Centre will draw up a contract in accordance with the regulations in force for research personnel.
What will be my gross annual income? And my net income?
What will be my gross annual income? And my net income?
The Foundation ”la Caixa” postdoctoral fellowships include a total of €64,000 per year for labor costs. The host institution will contract the fellow for a minimum gross salary of €47,000 per year, and will be able to use the rest to cover the costs of hiring assumed by the institution.
The estimation of the net salary should be calculated for each particular case. More information can be found on the websites www.euraxess.es and www.euraxess.pt.
For more detailed information we recommend contacting directly with the Human Resources department at the host institution.