The economic history group at the Department of Economics, Public University of Navarre (UPNA, Pamplona), invites expressions of interest from students who wish to pursue a PhD in economic history. We will support selected candidates in applying to the 2026 FPU programme (Formación de Profesorado Universitario), the Spanish government's predoctoral scheme.

The FPU offers a full-time, four-year predoctoral employment contract with a minimum gross annual salary of €25,457. It also provides an additional €10,000 for research stays at other institutions and doctoral tuition fees. Contract holders gain university teaching experience. If they complete the PhD within the four years, the remaining time can fund up to twelve months of postdoctoral training.
Successful candidates will enrol in the doctoral programme at the Doctoral School of Navarre (EDONA) and join the Institute for Advanced Research in Business and Economics (INARBE). They will become part of an active, internationally connected group with regular seminars and workshops and strong links to research networks across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

We welcome projects in any of our research areas, including:
• Energy transitions, natural resources and development (Cristián Ducoing, Mar Rubio-Varas)
• Taxation, inequality and the welfare state (Sara Torregrosa-Hetland)
• Colonialism, trade policy and commercial integration in the periphery (Alejandro Ayuso)

Eligibility
Applicants must hold a university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent; degrees from foreign university systems are accepted; a research Master's degree must be completed by the PhD start date) and will enrol in our doctoral programme when the contract is signed, expected in autumn 2027. Applicants of any nationality are eligible. Applicants who have already held a predoctoral contract for more than 12 months are not eligible. Applications are assessed on the candidate's academic record (75 points) and on the track record of the supervisor and research group (25 points). Candidates with degrees from outside Spain should check the grade-equivalence procedure early.

How to express interest?
Please email the prospective supervisor(s) the following: a short CV (max. 2 pages), a brief motivation letter with a research idea (max. 2 pages), and your academic transcripts. Informal enquiries are welcome.

Deadline for expressions of interest: 
23 October 2026. The official FPU application closes on 12 November 2026, so early contact is essential!

Contact:
Alejandro Ayuso, alejandro.ayuso[at]unavarra.es
Cristián Ducoing Ruiz, cristianarturo.ducoing[at]unavarra.es
Mar Rubio-Varas, mar.rubio[at]unavarra.es
Sara Torregrosa-Hetland, sara.torregrosa[at]unavarra.es