Fully Funded PhD Fellowship: Modelling Electrochemical Interfaces at ICIQ, Spain

Summary

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD Fellowship within the research group led by Prof. Núria López. The successful candidate will carry out doctoral research on the project “Modelling Electrochemical Interfaces,” leveraging computational chemistry and simulations within a world-renowned scientific environment in Tarragona, Spain. The fellowship includes competitive gross annual salaries, full healthcare and social security coverage, and university PhD tuition fee reimbursements.

Designation

• Position: PhD Student (Pre-doctoral Researcher in Training)
• Reference: Ref: PhD 2026-16 NL
• Employment Type: Full-time (Annual pre-doctoral contract, renewable up to 4 years)

Position Overview

Research Area

• Core Disciplines: Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science.
• Project Scope: Multi-scale simulation and theoretical modelling of electrochemical interfaces to understand interfacial phenomena relevant to renewable energy and sustainable catalysis.

Location

• Institute: Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
• City/Country: Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Academic Degree: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related disciplines (must be completed by the time of PhD enrolment).
• Language Proficiency: Evidence of oral and written proficiency in English (B2 level, First Certificate, IELTS 6.0, or equivalent desirable). Native English speakers from the Anglosphere (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) are exempt. Shortlisted candidates may be evaluated via an English interview.
• Commitment: Willingness to work full-time under exclusive dedication; this fellowship cannot be combined with any other grant or concurrent employment.

Scholarship Description & Benefits

Awardees will be hired under a standard Spanish pre-doctoral contract (Ley de la Ciencia 14/2011):

• Stipend/Salary:
  • Years 1 & 2: €19,007.22 per year (split into 12 monthly payments)
  • Year 3: €20,364.88 per year
  • Year 4: €25,456.10 per year
• Tuition Fees: Full reimbursement of university PhD enrolment fees by ICIQ.
• Social Benefits: Comprehensive Spanish Social Security coverage (public healthcare, pension contributions, parental leave, and unemployment benefits).
• Professional Development:
  • Participation in ICIQ’s annual 2-week personalized training program (SHARP).
  • Opportunities for short research stays abroad at leading international partner institutions.
  • Specialized training in scientific instrumentation, IP management, entrepreneurship, grant writing, and technology transfer.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the ICIQ Careers Portal.

Prepare and upload the following required documents in PDF format:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your academic trajectory, research experience, publications, conference presentations, awards, and merits.
2. Personal Statement (Max. 2 pages): Explain your research background, motivations, alignment with ICIQ and Prof. Núria López’s group, and career goals. (Note: AI-generated statements will be discarded directly).
3. Official Academic Transcripts: Certified records of BSc and MSc degrees (with subjects, marks, passing scales, and ECTS credits). Certified English translations are mandatory if not originally issued in English, Spanish, or Catalan.
4. Reference Contacts: Names and contact details of two university professors or mentors who can provide letters of recommendation upon request.
5. English Certificate (if available): Proof of B2 or equivalent level.

Last Date to Apply

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

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