Are you passionate about shaping the future of communication networks, artificial intelligence, wireless systems, and 6G technologies? IMDEA Networks Institute in Madrid, Spain, offers exceptional fully funded PhD and Postdoc positions for 2026. This is your chance to join a world-class, international research environment and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in networking science.
IMDEA Networks Institute stands as one of Europe’s leading research centers dedicated to data networks, communication technologies, and the science of future networks. Located in the vibrant Madrid region, the institute attracts talented researchers from around the globe who want to push the boundaries of knowledge in areas such as wireless networking, networked systems and algorithms, network measurements and analytics, and more.
Why Choose IMDEA Networks Institute for Your Research Career?
- IMDEA Networks Institute creates an ideal setting for ambitious researchers. The institute focuses on fundamental science and technology that will define tomorrow’s internet and communication infrastructures. Its multinational team works on pioneering projects that influence industry standards and real-world applications, including 6G networks, secure communications, IoT systems, and AI-driven networking.
- Researchers here benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, strong collaborations with top universities like Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), and direct pathways to industry impact. Whether you aim for a leadership role or to launch your research career, IMDEA Networks provides the resources, mentorship, and freedom to excel.
- The institute emphasizes researcher mobility, international collaboration, and a supportive culture that values work-life balance. Madrid itself offers an unbeatable quality of life with rich culture, excellent public transport, diverse cuisine, and proximity to both urban energy and natural escapes. International researchers thrive here thanks to the city’s welcoming atmosphere and relatively affordable living costs compared to other European capitals.
Also Check: PhD, Postdoc and Professor Opportunities at University of Antwerp
Comprehensive Benefits and Working Conditions at IMDEA Networks:
IMDEA Networks Institute treats researchers as valued professionals and provides a competitive, attractive package designed to support your success and well-being.
Researchers’ Professional Status Research is a noble vocation that drives discovery and innovation. At IMDEA Networks, every researcher receives the respect and dignity their role deserves. The institute actively works to make research careers appealing to exceptional talent from every corner of the world.
Attractive Salaries and Financial Benefits Salaries at IMDEA Networks are internationally competitive and reflect your legal status, qualifications, experience, performance, and responsibilities. The institute pays full social security contributions, granting access to Spain’s excellent system, which includes comprehensive sickness and parental benefits, pension rights, and unemployment support.
An additional highlight is the performance-related bonus scheme. Regular appraisals evaluate your achievements against agreed objectives. High performers receive substantial bonuses that form a meaningful part of total compensation.
Relocation Assistance for International Talent Moving to a new country involves many challenges, especially with family or limited Spanish language skills. IMDEA Networks offers practical support, including help with:
- Immigration, work permits, and visa procedures
- Finding suitable housing
- School options for children
- Registering for healthcare services
- Setting up bank accounts
The team remains flexible and ready to address any additional concerns you may have if you receive an offer.
Generous Vacation and Leave Policies Researchers enjoy 23 days of annual holiday leave, plus all national, regional, and local public holidays. This allows time to recharge while maintaining productivity.
Health Care Excellence Through social security contributions, all contracted researchers access Spain’s high-quality public healthcare system, regardless of nationality.
Flexible Working Conditions The institute follows a collective agreement and complies with all employment laws. Flexible arrangements such as adjustable hours, part-time options, teleworking, and sabbaticals help researchers balance family and career responsibilities. Individual needs receive personalized attention within the framework.
Stability and Contract Permanence IMDEA Networks follows EU principles on fixed-term work to enhance employment stability wherever possible.
World-Class Research Environment Enjoy access to advanced equipment and facilities. Health and safety standards meet the highest levels. The physical and intellectual environment fosters creativity and excellence.
Researcher Mobility and Collaboration Mobility — geographical, interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral, and virtual — enriches scientific growth. The institute supports exchanges, grant portability, and collaborations between academia and industry.
Participation in International Conferences Researchers receive encouragement and funding to attend relevant conferences, project meetings, and seminars for professional development.
Performance Appraisal and Training Opportunities Regular appraisals provide objective feedback, identify training needs, and set future goals. A structured training plan supports continuous skill enhancement.
Equal Opportunities Commitment IMDEA Networks promotes equal opportunities for all, free from discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Intellectual Property and Career Impact Researchers can share in intellectual property revenues from their work and receive full support for technology transfer or entrepreneurship.
Diverse Career Paths at IMDEA Networks:
The institute offers positions tailored to different career stages:
- Research Professor (equivalent to Full Professor with chair) These are highly accomplished leaders who significantly influence the institute’s output and mentor others.
- Research Associate Professor (equivalent to Associate Professor) Experienced researchers ready to lead teams and drive daily research activities.
- Research Assistant Professor (tenure-track equivalent) Early-career researchers who build their own groups, supervise PhD students and postdocs, and focus fully on research without teaching obligations.
- Post-Doc Researcher Postdoctoral fellows work with leading professors and young researchers to establish their independent careers.
- Visiting Professor Sabbatical opportunities for established researchers to spend one or two terms collaborating in a dynamic environment.
- PhD Student Positions Fully funded salaried roles with conditional acceptance to top Madrid universities like UC3M. Note that some programs may require additional master’s coursework.
- Research Engineering and Support Roles Technical and administrative experts who strengthen infrastructure and project execution.
- NextGen Research Internships (MSc level) Hands-on opportunities for master’s students (with specific eligibility criteria) to work on real projects.
Also Check: Postdoctoral and Research positions at Imperial College London, 2026
Take the Next Step Toward Your Research Future:
IMDEA Networks Institute represents more than a job — it is a launchpad for a fulfilling, high-impact research career in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, outstanding facilities, and a commitment to researcher well-being, these 2026 positions offer everything you need to thrive.
Explore all current opportunities and apply today via the official IMDEA Networks job opportunities page. Your contributions could help define the future of global communications.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to understand the opportunities at IMDEA Networks Institute. Whether you are a recent graduate eyeing a PhD or an experienced researcher seeking new challenges, Madrid and IMDEA Networks welcome your talent.
PhD Positions:
- PhD position in AI-Enhanced Secure 6G Services (NETCOM Lab, supervised by Albert BANCHS)
APPLY HERE (Deadline: May 21, 2026) - PhD position in Low-power IoT sensing at high frequency bands (Wireless Networking Group)
APPLY HERE (Deadline: May 21, 2026 23:59 AoE) - PhD Student position in Heterogenous Programmable Networks
APPLY HERE (Deadline: May 21, 2026 23:59 AoE) - PhD position in Localization of non-collaborative transmitters and their pattern of movements
APPLY HERE (Deadline: May 21, 2026 23:59 AoE) - PhD Student position in Operational AI for Production-grade 6G Networks (Networks Data Science Group)
APPLY HERE (Deadline: May 21, 2026 — or April 14, 2026 depending on specific call details; confirm on page) - PhD position in Adaptive Protocols for Decentralized Wireless Networks (Wireless Networking Group)
APPLY HERE (Deadline: May 21, 2026 23:59 AoE)
Postdoc Positions:
- Postdoctoral fellowship in line-rate machine learning at Networks Data Science Group APPLY HERE (Deadline: June 14, 2026 23:59 AoE)
Also Check: Fully Funded Academic and Research Positions at Aston University, UK
