Excellent researchers are necessary to have a high-quality research. Scientists generate knowledge and they represent one of the most important strategic assets for the Foundation. Therefore, the Institute will devote much of its effort to the recruitment of researchers of excellence on an international level in accordance to Foundation’s goals.

These scientists will be incorporated to IMDEA-Materials as Staff Researchers, grouped in two different categories: Those holding a tenured position will be considered as Permanent Researchers, joining IMDEA-Materials on a full-time basis; and those who do not hold a tenured position prior to joining the

Institute will be considered as Tenure-Track Researchers for a maximum period of six years. At the end of this period, the Board of Trustees will either grant tenure or finish the appointment. Institute Researchers must hold a PhD in Material Science and Engineering (or in a related area).

It is also a priority of IMDEA-Materials to provide an adequate academic environment for researchers already working at Universities and Research Centres in the Region of Madrid. These researchers will be able to develop their research activities at the Institute, and they can be incorporated as Associated Researchers. In general, this position will be held by tenured faculty at both national and foreign universities and research centres.

Members of the scientific community on sabbatical leave from their institutions may be appointed as Visiting Researchers at IMDEA-Materials.

Researchers without a doctoral degree will carry out their research activity at the Institute as Research Assistants.