Summary: MERCI is an innovative, co-funded postdoctoral programme aimed at recruiting four highly talented and autonomous postdoctoral researchers. Fellows will integrate into the European R&D&I system to reach the R3 level during their employment, positioning them to become Group Leaders at ICIQ or related research institutions.
MERCI Postdoctoral Fellowship: Momentum for European Research Career at ICIQ, Spain
Designation: Postdoctoral Researcher (4 positions available)
Position Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
| Contract Duration | 5 years total (Phase 1: 36 months, Phase 2: 24 months) |
| Phase 1 Salary | ~€60,000/year (funded by the EU) |
| Phase 2 Salary | ~€50,000/year (funded by ICIQ) |
| Allowances | €400/mo (Research), €350/mo (Training), €100/mo (Family, if applicable), €1,800 (Welcome stipend) |
Research Area:
Candidates will have the freedom to propose a research project within one of the centre’s three main research areas:
- Sustainable catalysis: Catalytic strategies for efficient resource use and reduced waste.
- Renewable energies: Energy solutions offering viable alternatives to fossil fuels.
- Molecular medicine: Innovation and advancements in healthcare.
Location: Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ), Tarragona, Spain.
Eligibility & Qualifications
To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria by the call deadline:
- Mobility Rule: Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the deadline.
- Education: Must hold a doctoral degree.
- Experience: Must have between 2 and 10 years of postdoctoral experience (exceptions apply for career interruptions such as illness, maternity/paternity leave, or national service).
- Employment Status: Must not be permanently employed by ICIQ.
Job Description
Postdoctoral candidates will join a vibrant, international research atmosphere with 19 research groups. Key responsibilities and program features include:
- Mentorship: Choosing and working closely under the mentorship of an internationally renowned Group Leader at ICIQ.
- Project Leadership: Proposing and leading an independent research project aligned with the group’s research lines.
- Career Development: Following a personalized Career Development Plan (CDP) with intermediate and final evaluations by ICIQ’s Scientific Advisory Board.
- Mobility & Secondments: Exploring interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility through research stays at one of over 20 international partner institutions (e.g., BIST, URV, TU/e, BASF, Repsol).
- Training: Participating in transferable skills training (leadership, grant writing, IP, time management) and receiving comprehensive research support.
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted through the official MERCI Application Portal. Please navigate to the “How to apply?” section on the website to review the full selection process, timeline, committee details, and required templates.
Last Date to Apply:
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