Summary
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) has announced the third call for its Fully-Funded PhD Programme for 2026. This prestigious fellowship is designed for exceptional graduate students worldwide to pursue a Doctoral Thesis in partnership with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV). The specific position (Ref: PhD 2026-20 JS) focuses on AI-accelerated photochemical upgrading of pollutants within the Pérez-Temprano Group.
| Host Institution | Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) |
| Location | Tarragona, Spain |
| Designation | PhD Student (Research Personnel in Training) |
| Research Project | AI-Accelerated Photochemical Upgrading of Pollutants in Flow |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Application Deadline | November 8, 2026 |
Designation
The successful candidate will be recruited as a PhD Student under a pre-doctoral employment contract as regulated by Spanish Law.
Research Area
The research focuses on Sustainable Chemistry, Catalysis, and Automation. Specifically, the project integrates robotic experimentation, microfluidic platforms, and machine learning to discover and optimize catalytic chemical transformations for recycling harmful pollutants.
Location
ICIQ, Tarragona, Spain.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Degree: Must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines by the time of enrollment.
- Academic Record: An excellent academic record and a strong commitment to scientific research.
- Language Proficiency: Solid working knowledge of English (B2 level, IELTS 6, or equivalent is desirable). Applicants from the Anglosphere are exempt.
- Technical Skills: A solid foundation in synthetic organic chemistry is required. Interest or experience in automation, robotics, or flow chemistry is a significant asset.
Scholarship Description
The ICIQ PhD fellowship provides a comprehensive support package:
- Financial Support: A tiered gross yearly salary:
- First and Second year: €19,007.22
- Third year: €20,364.88
- Fourth year: €25,456.10
- Benefits: Full social security coverage, including health care, pension, and unemployment benefits.
- Tuition: The grant covers the costs of enrollment in the PhD programme.
- Professional Development: Access to the SHARP training programme, scientific seminars, and opportunities for short stays at international research institutions.
How to Apply
The entire application process is conducted online through the ICIQ Career Portal. Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae: Including academic background, research experience, and publications.
- Personal Statement: Describing academic background, career goals, and interest in the specific research group (maximum two A4 pages).
- Official Transcripts: BSc and MSc records. Non-English/Spanish/Catalan transcripts must include a certified translation.
- Letters of Recommendation: Contact details for two referees.
- English Proficiency: Evidence of English level (e.g., B2 certificate).
Candidates are encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete before submission, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is November 8, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and final decisions will be notified starting mid-November 2026.
