Associate Professor Positions at USC 2026: Fee of €44.17 and 15 Business Days Deadline

Key data

If you are a doctor with accreditation as an associate professor and have R3 research certification—or an evaluation equivalent to the I3 program—the University of Santiago de Compostela has just opened an opportunity window with a very specific expiration date. The Resolution of September 9, 2026 (reference BOE-A-2026-19384), published on September 17, 2026, starts the clock: 15 business days to submit your application, with no possibility of doing so on paper.

This type of call is not common in the academic calendar and the positions offered are specifically reserved for high-level research profiles. Acting quickly is decisive.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution calls for an access competition for university teaching positions in the associate professor category. The positions are reserved for candidates who simultaneously meet three conditions:

• Doctoral degree.
• Accreditation as an associate professor in accordance with Royal Decree 678/2023.
• Research certification at level R3 or evaluation equivalent to the I3 program.

Additionally, applicants must meet the general requirements for access to public employment established in current legislation.

Applications are submitted exclusively through electronic means. No other channel is accepted. The application deadline is 15 business days counted from publication in the BOE (September 17, 2026).

Regarding language, knowledge of Galician and Spanish is not a prerequisite for participation: it must be certified after appointment as a civil servant.

Economic and operational impact

The direct cost of participating in this competition is €44.17 per position. However, there are significant reductions for certain groups:

Beyond the fee cost, the operational impact is mainly related to deadline and documentation management. With only 15 business days available from publication, candidates must have all supporting documentation ready before the call is published or act immediately upon learning of it.

The maximum resolution deadline is 4 months from publication, which places the expected resolution at the latest in January 2027, with the possibility of incorporation in the first semester of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Who does it affect?

• Doctors with accreditation as an associate professor obtained in accordance with RD 678/2023 who have not yet obtained a permanent position.
• Researchers with R3 certification (established/independent researcher) recognized by evaluation agencies.
• Researchers with evaluation equivalent to the I3 program (Research Incorporation and Intensification).
• Candidates who meet the general requirements for access to public employment in Spain.
• People from groups entitled to a 50% fee discount: disability, large family status, or job seekers without benefits.

It does not affect contracted professors without accreditation, researchers in R1 or R2 phases, or graduates who do not hold a doctoral degree.

Practical example

A researcher with a doctoral degree, accreditation as an associate professor (RD 678/2023), and active R3 certification, who currently works as a contracted doctor professor at another Spanish university, wants to apply for this USC position.

Their specific situation:

• They have the doctoral degree and current accreditation: they meet the academic requirements.
• They have R3 certification: they meet the specific research requirement of this call.
• They are not unemployed and do not have recognized disability: they pay the full fee of €44.17.
• They must submit their application electronically within 15 business days from September 17, 2026.
• They do not need to certify knowledge of Galician to participate: they will certify it if they obtain the position and are appointed as a civil servant.
• They can expect resolution within a maximum of 4 months from publication of the call.

If that same researcher were a member of a large family, their fee would be reduced to €22.09.

What should candidates do now?

1. Verify your accreditation: Check that your accreditation as an associate professor is current and issued in accordance with RD 678/2023. Without this requirement, the application will not be admitted.
2. Confirm your R3 certification or equivalent I3: Locate the document that certifies your R3 research level or evaluation equivalent to the I3 program. It must be available to attach to the electronic application.
3. Calculate your actual deadline: The 15 business days from September 17, 2026 is very tight. Identify the exact deadline excluding national and regional holidays in Galicia.
4. Prepare electronic access: The application is exclusively electronic. Make sure you have an active and operational digital certificate or Cl@ve before attempting to process.
5. Check if you are entitled to a discount: If you have recognized disability, are a member of a large family, or are a job seeker without benefits, the fee is reduced to 50% (€22.09). Gather the corresponding supporting documentation.
6. Pay the fee of €44.17 (or €22.09 if discount applies) within the application deadline. Payment outside the deadline invalidates participation.
7. Prepare language certification for later: Galician and Spanish are not required to participate, but they must be certified if you obtain the position and are appointed as a civil servant. Plan in advance if you need to certify Galician.

Official source

View complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-19384