If you’re considering a career in research—or you already know you want to pursue a PhD—AZTI offers an innovative, multidisciplinary environment where your work can have a real impact on society.
We’re looking for curious, committed people who are eager to learn and contribute in areas such as sustainability, food, the marine environment, and applied technology. You’ll be supported by accredited scientific leadership, cutting-edge projects, advanced infrastructure, and continuous mentoring.
Your research here could make a difference. Are you in?
At AZTI, you’ll be mentored by experts in your field as an active member of a multidisciplinary team. You’ll work on real projects with social and business impact, enjoy flexible working hours tailored to your needs, and follow an ongoing development and learning plan. You’ll also have opportunities to spend time abroad to enrich your training and expand your scientific network.
Application deadline: until 11/12/2025
Duration of the grant: 3 years
The Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment of the Basque Government launches the Ikertalent grant programme every year. This initiative aims to promote and support the training of research and technology staff through their incorporation into technology centres in the Basque Country, where they can take part in the development of R&D&I projects in scientific and technological fields. In the case of AZTI, these projects are applied to marine and food research.
In this context, AZTI offers positions for predoctoral research staff, who will participate in a four-year research project, as well as positions for technology staff, whose training period will last two years.
Regarding financial support, participants in predoctoral research projects will receive €22,000 in the first year, €23,000 in the second year, €25,000 in the third year, and €31,500 in the fourth year. This amount is complemented by an additional €8,000, allocated at €2,000 per training year, to cover expenses related to the training process, such as enrolment in university courses linked to the grant or attendance at scientific conferences, seminars, courses and workshops.
Technology staff will receive €17,000 in the first and second years, complemented by an additional €2,000, allocated at €1,000 per year.
Application deadline: until 11/12/2025
Duration of the grant: 3 years
Grants to support the employment of PhD holders in industrial research projects, experimental development or feasibility studies, with the aim of fostering research careers and strengthening technology-based companies.
Target organisations: companies (including spin-offs and innovative start-ups), technology centres, business associations and science/technology parks.
Key requirements:
Key note: Contracts must be permanent and require exclusive dedication to the project.
Application deadline: until 03/12/2025
Start date: before 01/09/2027
Duration of the grant: 3 years
Support for the recruitment of early-career PhD researchers to complete their postdoctoral training at R&D centres other than where they carried out their doctoral studies.
Target organisations: R&D centres.
Requirements:
Application deadline: until 05/12/2025
Start date: before 01/09/2027
Duration of the grant: 5 years
Recruitment of researchers with an outstanding track record, offering five-year grants and additional funding to support research activity.
Target organisations: R&D centres.
Requirements:
Application period: 31/07/2025 – 08/09/2025
Duration of the grant: up to 4 years (up to 6 years in the case of disability)
Funding to support research leading to the completion of a doctoral thesis, with a postdoctoral career orientation component.
Beneficiaries: individuals undertaking a doctoral thesis.
Contracts are awarded for one year, renewable for up to four years, with an additional postdoctoral orientation period of up to 12 months. Further details on modalities and requirements are provided in the accompanying summary.
Xabier Lekunberri
4th-year PhD candidate
69%
15
4-5