Below are the requirements to apply, the contents of the application, as well as the process and timeline. The corresponding templates are also attached.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must be distinguished researchers holding a PhD, with the suitability and professional qualifications required to perform the duties of the position. Candidates may be either CSIC staff or external personnel who will be linked to CSIC through an agreement or another appropriate instrument.
Application contents
- Cover letter explaining the motivation to apply for the position and highlighting the qualifications considered relevant (template I).
- Full Curriculum Vitae.
- Detailed management project, following the established structure and with limited length (template II), including:
- Analysis of the institute’s current situation, mission and vision (aligned, as guidance, with the current CSIC Strategic Plan).
- SWOT analysis and short- and medium-term outlook.
- Scientific programme, including challenges, expected results, proposed strategy and actions.
- Management programme, considering the institute’s economic and administrative situation.
- In case of reapplication, a report on achieved results and the degree of fulfilment of previous objectives must be included.
Process and timeline
- Receipt of the request from the Coordination and Technical Assistance Unit to initiate the selection process: February 2, 2026
- Board meeting to initiate the process: March 3, 2026
- Publication of the upcoming vacancy on the ICM and CSIC websites: March 26, 2026
- Application submission period: March 26 to April 20, 2026
- Board review and validation of applications: April 21, 2026
- Applications made available to the Institute Assembly: April 21, 2026
- Assembly for discussion and feedback: May 6, 2026
- Incorporation of feedback, if applicable: until May 13, 2026
- Publication of updated projects: May 14, 2026
- Submission of endorsements: May 18 to 22, 2026. Endorsements must be submitted individually, reasoned and anonymised to the Assembly Secretariat (template III). One or more projects may be endorsed.
- Report by designated Assembly members counting endorsements and summarising their rationale (template IV): before May 29, 2026
- Board meeting: June 3, 2026
- Issuance of the Board report, after consulting research groups and heads of departments, services and management (template V): until June 10, 2026
- Submission of the dossier to the CSIC Thematic Areas Coordination Unit for evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Committee: June 11 or 12, 2026
- Report from the CSIC Scientific Advisory Committee (based on a working group of at least three members)
- Presidency decision and appointment of the new Director (after a possible training period)