How many IBEC BEST Fellowships are available?
In total we offer 24 fellowships. In this call, up to 12 fellowships are available.
Is the BEST Fellowhip compatible with other grants or work?
The fellowship cannot be held simultaneously with other fellowship of any kind. In this case, fellows are expected to work regularly on their research project which implies full time dedication. Other responsibilities than research, such teaching, if minimal, can be carried out.
Is it possible to obtain a fellowship for a short-term stay?
No, the duration of the fellowship is 24 months, to carry out a research project on with full-time dedication.
Do I have to contact a group leader at IBEC to prepare my application?
Yes, you have contact a group leader at IBEC or an associated researcher (see list at Research groups) in order to prepare the project you wish to develop at IBEC.
Projects involving more than one research group are welcome, but a main supervisor at IBEC must be designated.
How many applications can be submitted?
Only one application can be submitted per call per person. It is possible to apply again in the next call after being rejected the first time.
I already submitted an application in the first call. Could I recover the information I submitted then?
No, the information from the first call cannot be recovered.
Which nationalities are eligible for the fellowships?
All nationalities are eligible, but at the time of application you may not have resided or carried out your main activity in Spain for more than twelve months in the three years immediately prior to the reference deadline for submission of proposals. Short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.
Is there an age limit for applications?
No, there is no age limit, but the eligibility criteria have to be met.
Can I apply before finishing my PhD?
Yes, but you have to make sure you get your PhD before starting your contract at IBEC (from February 1st to April 30th 2017 for the first call).
Is it possible to update my application after the submission, e.g. if a paper has been accepted?
No, modifications will not be accepted after the submission deadline.
Which are the contractual conditions of employment?
Two-year labour contract for the performance of a research project with a 32.572€ yearly gross salary with full security coverage. 23 working days of paid holidays and 9 leave days for personal matters yearly.
There is an additional family allowance for researchers with dependents. See Conditions of Employment for additional information.
Are there any measures to foster the successful integration of researchers affected by conflicts around the world?
In line with the commitment of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) of the EU Horizon 2020 programme to ensure that equal opportunities are provided to researchers whose scientific careers have been interrupted due to armed conflicts, the following measures will be implemented within the BEST programme:
- Career breaks caused by forced displacements due to armed conflicts will be counted to extend the eligibility limit of 5 years after the award of the PhD degree.
- For refugees under the Geneva Convention, the refugee procedure (i.e. before refugee status is conferred) will not be counted as ‘period of residence/activity’ in Spain when assessing whether the candidate has spent more than 12 months in Spain prior to recruitment.
- Specific topics related to social and professional resettlement of researchers affected by conflicts will be included in the IBEC mentoring programme open to BEST fellows.
How do I submit my application?
Visit the online application platform.
Can I send all or part of the documentation by mail?
No, the documentation can only be attached to the application using the online application platform.
How long will it take for the referees to be contacted to submit the reference letters?
The contact is immediate. The application system sends them an e-mail automatically when you provide their data.
Can the reference letters be submitted in a different language as English?
No, all the data, including the reference letters, must be in English.
Can I do the interview face-to-face?
No, the interviews will be via videoconference.
How can I prepare myself for the interview?
The interview will be based on Competency-based qüestions. Competencies are defined as the combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors. Some of the following competencies will be evaluated: Communication; Teamwork; Time management; Proactivity; Autonomy; Adaptability; Mentoring; Self-career management; Analytical and critical thinking; Integrity or Leadership.
Questions will focus on how the person has demonstrated each competency in the past. Candidates are expected to answer with real-life examples of previous experience that demonstrate the competency required for the role. If the candidate has not a previous experience regarding a competency, interviewers will ask for opinion-based or hypothetical approach.
Will I get support with administrative affairs (visa, accommodation, etc) if my candidature is accepted?
Yes, you will receive support from IBEC’s HR unit.