Offer Description
Advance your research at a leading water research institute
Are you an expert in water-related disciplines seeking to join a cutting-edge research environment? IMDEA Water welcomes researchers working in areas such as wastewater treatment, nature-based solutions, membrane technologies, bioelectrochemical technologies, water reuse, water and soil quality, economic and institutional analysis, ecotoxicology, antibiotic resistance, algae and cyanobacteria monitoring, cyanotoxin bioremediation, and or microbial ecology.
IMDEA Water invites expression of interest from Spanish researchers with an established international track record who are interested in returning to Spain. Selected candidates will be supported by IMDEA Water to apply to the TALENT RETURN PROGRAM – RAMÓN ARECES FOUNDATION 2026.
Depending on the selected category, the Talent Return Program provides the salary and the costs associated with the research activity for either:
- Senior researchers: 5 years of funding, with a maximum budget of €1,250,000. (Salary range: €60.000 – €80.000).
- Junior researchers: 2 years of funding, with a maximum budget of €200,000. (Salary range: €37.000 – €46.000).
The senior category targets established researchers who have developed their careers abroad and demonstrated leadership as principal investigators, enabling them to implement long-term research projects in Spain.
The junior category supports early-career researchers with outstanding international experience, facilitating their integration into the Spanish public research system.
General Requirements (both categories):
- Spanish nationality.
- Must not currently hold a permanent position in Spain, nor be on leave from such a position.
- Formal acceptance letter from the Spanish host institution.
- Submission of a joint research proposal (including objectives, timeline, and indicators) with the host institution.
- Submission of a joint statement expressing the intention to continue research activities in Spain upon completion of the Program, subject to meeting the minimum required conditions.
- Acknowledgement of the Foundation’s support in scientific publications and official activities.
Specific Requirements – Senior category:
- Minimum of 10 years residing and conducting paid research abroad at the time of application. Periods spent abroad on a temporary basis, including volunteer work or other unpaid activities, will not be considered as time of residence abroad.
- Demonstrated experience as principal investigator leading scientific projects.
Specific Requirements – Junior category:
- Minimum of 5 years residing and conducting paid research abroad at the time of application. Periods spent abroad on a temporary basis, including volunteer work or other unpaid activities, will not be considered as time of residence abroad.
- Strong scientific track records, evidence of emerging leadership, and potential to establish an independent research group in Spain.
About IMDEA Water
IMDEA Water operates in a highly multidisciplinary environment across the following areas:
- Sustainable management of water resources
- Water quality and pollution
- Water treatment and reuse
- Economic and institutional analysis
The Institute offers state-of-the-art scientific infrastructures including:
- Advanced chemical analysis facilities (chromatography, mass spectrometry, ICP-MS, and micro-nanoplastics analysis systems).
- Soil laboratory with controlled experimental systems and greenhouse facilities.
- Biology and microbiology laboratories (molecular biology, ecotoxicology, cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins analysis, biological indicators analysis, and enzymatic activities analysis).
- Pilot plants for real-scale experimentation, including membrane systems, microbial electrochemical technologies, land application systems, and outdoor mesocosm.
Additionally, IMDEA Water offers a unique opportunity to carry out outbreaking research in the field of wastewater treatment and reuse due to its infrastructure that provides real wastewater and groundwater from the nearby campus to the experimental pilot plants. Researchers that will join IMDEA Water will have the chance to validate solutions and scale innovations effectively.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum vitae
- A brief outline of their research projects
- Preferred category (Senior or Junior)
Applications should be sent to empleo.agua@imdea.org, indicating in the subject line: “Talent Return Program – Ramón Areces Foundation 2026 – Expression of Interest”.
Where to apply
E-mail: empleo.agua@imdea.org
Specific Requirements
Specific Requirements – Senior category:
- Minimum of 10 years residing and conducting paid research abroad at the time of application. Periods spent abroad on a temporary basis, including volunteer work or other unpaid activities, will not be considered as time of residence abroad.
- Demonstrated experience as principal investigator leading scientific projects.
Specific Requirements – Junior category:
- Minimum of 5 years residing and conducting paid research abroad at the time of application. Periods spent abroad on a temporary basis, including volunteer work or other unpaid activities, will not be considered as time of residence abroad.
- Strong scientific track records, evidence of emerging leadership, and potential to establish an independent research group in Spain.
Additional Information
Benefits
Depending on the selected category, the Talent Return Program provides the salary and the costs associated with the research activity for either:
- Senior researchers: 5 years of funding, with a maximum budget of €1,250,000. (Salary range: €60.000 – €80.000).
- Junior researchers: 2 years of funding, with a maximum budget of €200,000. (Salary range: €37.000 – €46.000).
Selection process
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum vitae
- A brief outline of their research projects
- Preferred category (Senior or Junior)
Applications should be sent to empleo.agua@imdea.org, indicating in the subject line: “Talent Return Program – Ramón Areces Foundation 2026 – Expression of Interest”.
Website for additional job details: https://agua.imdea.org/
