ValER 2026 Distinguished Researcher Positions (8 vacancies)

About the role

The Valer Foundation, affiliated with the Valencian Regional Government, is offering 8 permanent Distinguished Researcher positions open to high-level scientists worldwide. Successful candidates will be based at universities, foundations, or research centres in the Valencian Community, carry out an independent research programme, and build their own team from day one. Salary: €80,000 per annum gross. Startup funding: €150,000 per researcher. Relocation support: €5,000 for international moves. Deadline: 30 June 2026 at 13:00 CET.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute an independent, internationally competitive research programme hosted at a Valencian institution.
• Recruit and lead a small research team using the startup funding.
• Publish high-impact findings in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the research environment of the host institution.
• Engage with the Valencian scientific community and broader public.
• Apply for national and European competitive research grants.

Requirements

• Demonstrably high-level scientific track record relative to career stage across any field in Life and Health Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences, or the Humanities.
• Open to candidates from any country; no nationality restrictions.
• Willingness to be based at a research institution in the Valencian Community, Spain.
• Fluent English; Spanish or Valencian language skills are an advantage.

Nice to have

• Existing network within Spanish or European research institutions.
• Experience leading a research group or managing external funding.
• Identified collaborations with Valencian researchers or institutions.

How to apply

Submit your application through the ValER platform at call.valer-f.es by 30 June 2026 at 13:00 CET. The application includes a research proposal and CV. For queries contact call@valer-f.es or call +34 964 724 498. Startup funding is eligible for staff, equipment, consumables, dissemination, and travel costs from day one of the appointment.