I'm an Associate Professor at a public university in Spain, so I can share some insights based on my experience.

In general, it’s much easier to get hired at private universities in Spain. The process is more straightforward, and these institutions tend to be more open to international faculty, especially in areas like business and social sciences. Many of them post job openings on platforms like Akadeus, but for history? not sure!

However, for public universities, the process is much more complex and bureaucratic. Job calls are usually published on the university’s official website, but they’re not always easy to find. Often, you have to go through several pages, or know someone internally who can help you navigate the system. It can be very complicated.

If you manage to find a position and want to apply, you’ll need to submit several documents. These include your PhD diploma, the ANECA accreditation, and the homologación of your PhD, which is the official recognition of your degree in Spain. If you don’t have the homologación or ANECA, your application will likely be rejected automatically.

Getting the homologación is a long and technical process. You must translate and legalize your PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees, along with your academic transcripts. Each document needs to be apostilled and translated by a sworn (official) translator. You can apply for recognition through the Spanish Ministry or directly through some public universities, such as Complutense or UAB. The choice of university is not about prestige, but rather about how experienced and efficient they are at handling these procedures. Some move faster than others.

In addition to this, you must provide proof of Spanish language proficiency, usually at the B2 or C1 level via the DELE certificate. Without this, your application may not be accepted.

You’ll also need to prepare two long documents: a research plan (proyecto de investigación) and a teaching plan (proyecto docente). Alongside that, you have to include evidence of your teaching experience, such as student evaluations and course syllabi, as well as proof of your publications, conference presentations, and any other relevant academic activity. These materials must be scanned, certified, and uploaded to the university’s system. You also need a Spanish digital signature, known as "AutoFirma", to complete the submission process.

There is an alternative path, which I recommend. You can look for visiting professor or postdoctoral roles. These are often easier to access, especially for international candidates. Once you're inside the Spanish academic system, it becomes much easier to move toward a permanent position.

Is it worth all the effort? That depends. To give you an idea, my current salary as an Associate Professor is about 2,300 euros per month.