Career Options

The aim of this section is to provide IDIPHISA researchers with up-to-date information on the options available for the development of their research careers

At EURAXESS, four main professional profiles for researchers have been established, known as R1, R2, R3 and R4. These profiles describe different stages of the research career, from initial training to research leadership. Each profile has its own characteristics and requirements, but all contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in their respective fields.

First-year resident researcher

The R1 profile is designed for early-stage researchers, including PhD students and post-doctoral researchers in the early stages of their careers. R1 researchers are gaining experience in their field and may be working under direct supervision. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, data analysis, and contributing to the scientific literature through the drafting of papers and communications.

R2 – Recognised Researcher

The R2 profile is aimed at experienced researchers who have demonstrated competence in their field. These professionals may hold a doctorate or have a significant amount of relevant work experience. R2 researchers can lead research projects, supervise younger researchers and begin to establish themselves as experts in their subject area.

R3 – Experienced researcher

The R3 profile refers to researchers with an established trajectory and considerable experience in their field. These professionals have demonstrated a significant impact in their area of expertise, often through the publication of influential works, the securing of competitive research funding, and active participation in the scientific community. R3 researchers may lead research teams, collaborate on international projects, and contribute to the development of science policy.

R4 – Research Leader

The R4 profile is reserved for leading researchers in their fields, internationally recognised for their significant contributions. These professionals are leaders in knowledge generation, innovation and the management of large-scale research projects. R4 researchers typically hold senior positions in academic institutions, research organisations or industries, and play a prominent role in shaping global scientific agendas and research strategies.

Further information:

Funding agencyCallAddressee
European Commission
MSCA – DNMSCA – Cofund R2MSCA – PFMSCA-COFUNDERC Starting Grant
R1R1R2R2R2 – R3
State Research Agency
AEI predoctoral contractsAEI Industrial PhD StudentJuan de la CiervaRamón y CajalTorres Quevedo
R1R1R2R2 – R3R2
Instituto de Salud Carlos III
PFISi-PFISSara Borrell ISCIIIRío Hortega ISCIIIMiguel Servet ISCIIIJuan Rodés
R1R1R2R2R2 – R3R2 – R3
Comunidad de Madrid
CAM predoctoral contractsIndustrial PhDs CAMTalent Attraction. Scheme 1Talent Attraction. Scheme 2
R1R1R2 – R3R2 – R3
HelpFunderEFMAMJJASOND
MSCA – DNEuropean Commission
MSCA – Cofund R2
MSCA – PF
MSCA-COFUND
ERC Starting Grant
AEI predoctoral contractsState Research Agency
AEI Industrial PhD Student
Juan de la Cierva
Ramón y Cajal
Torres Quevedo
PFISInstituto de Salud Carlos III
i-PFIS
Sara Borrell ISCIII
Río Hortega ISCIII
Miguel Servet ISCIII
Juan Rodés
CAM predoctoral contractsComunidad de Madrid
Industrial PhDs CAM
Talent Attraction. Scheme 1
Talent Attraction. Scheme 2

The R3 Certification is a distinction awarded by the State Research Agency (AEI) to experienced researchers who have demonstrated a significant impact in their respective fields of study. This certification recognises the excellence and consolidated track record of research professionals, as well as their ability to lead projects and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Requirements and Certification Process

To obtain the AEI R3 Certification, researchers must meet a series of rigorous requirements that demonstrate their experience and achievements in the field of research. These requirements may include, among others:

  1. Professional ExperienceCandidates must have a strong and demonstrable track record in research, with extensive experience in relevant research projects.
  2. Scientific PublicationsSignificant scientific output is required, which may include articles in high-impact journals, book chapters, patents or other types of academic contributions.
  3. Participation in Research ProjectsCandidates must have actively participated in competitive research projects, either as principal investigators or key collaborators.
  4. Recognition by the Scientific CommunityRecognition by the scientific community will be valued, which may be demonstrated through awards, fellowships, invitations as a keynote speaker, among others.

The AEI R3 certification process usually involves submitting an application file that includes documentary evidence of the candidate's achievements, as well as an evaluation by a committee of experts in the relevant field.

Benefits of R3 Certification

Obtaining AEI R3 Certification brings a number of significant benefits for researchers, including:

  1. Professional RecognitionR3 certification is a public testament to a researcher's excellence and expertise, which can enhance their visibility and reputation within the scientific community.
  2. Access to Funds and ResourcesCertified R3 researchers may have privileged access to research funding and additional resources to carry out larger-scale projects.
  3. Collaboration OpportunitiesR3 certification can open up new opportunities for collaboration with other researchers and organisations nationally and internationally.
  4. Professional DevelopmentThe AEI offers professional development programs and exclusive networking activities for R3 certified researchers, which can help them to continue advancing their careers.

Further information:

Euraxess provides useful tools for researcher career development. Several can be explored on the website under the Career Development section: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/career-development

Interactive tool that allows you to explore career options and link those options to the goals, skills and knowledge required to achieve them.

Interactive tool that enables the planning and exploration of career options through the establishment and implementation of objectives.

Other tools:

Two capability and competency frameworks are provided which show what these should be like for each grade of the research career and which serve as a European-level reference.

Other relevant documentation

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