¹Department of Applied Economics (Field: Sociology), Campus del Cristo, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. E-mail: cliftonjudith@uniovi.es

Abstract

This article discusses the problems and opportunities facing any 'young' political scientist working – or wishing to work – in Spanish universities. Starting with a brief description of the delayed development of political science in Spain, it then explains some of the problems facing those seeking jobs in research, before analysing the ongoing reforms of the university recruitment process and the consequences for political scientists. Although there remain many problems in Spanish university recruitment procedures, such as a tendency towards hiring internal candidates at the expense of 'outsiders', there are signs that reform is bringing about a slow improvement, and is gradually ensuring a greater degree of excellence.