Before you apply to join the university’s teaching and research staff, an evaluation of your skills and merits must be carried out in Spain/Andalusia by ANECA or DEVA. At UJA, teaching and research staff are divided into two categories:

Every two years, the Vice-Rectorate for Research launches a Research Support Plan to encourage research career development among staff. The plan also provides for funding to recruit research talent.

Researchers who are not hired via one of the channels described above and who would like to continue their careers at the University of Jaén can apply for external funding, such as the MSCA postdoctoral fellowships from Horizon Europe. At UJA, this programme is overseen by the International Projects Office (OFIPI), which will be described in greater detail later on.

The Central Research Support Services (SCAI) at the UJA Vice-Rectorate for Research, which comprise a series of laboratories, provide important support for the university’s centres and departments to develop their scientific research efforts. Knowledge transfer via patents and spin-offs is a strategic priority for UJA due to their potential to generate employment and long-term growth, boost competitiveness and address global challenges. This work is supplemented by that of the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+i) at UJA. Finally, the International Projects Office (OFIPI, B1-025) aims to: (1) Promote and support UJA researchers on international R&D&I programmes; (2) Foster and leverage relationships between the university and the business sector; (3) Provide quality administrative support; (4) Promote and publicise EU research and innovation policies, such as UJA’s participation in the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R). This strategy supports organisations as they implement the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct. UJA received the HR Excellence in Research Award in 2020.