đź“ť Summary
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) has officially launched the FPI-ICIQ Call 2026, offering fully funded predoctoral fellowships to outstanding postgraduate students worldwide. The doctoral thesis projects are linked to research projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Ministerio de Ciencia e InnovaciĂłn), the State Research Agency (AEI), and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+). Selected candidates will pursue their PhD in a world-class scientific environment under internationally recognized research group leaders, accompanied by comprehensive technical and soft skills training through ICIQ’s SHARP program.
PhD Researchers – FPI-ICIQ Call 2026, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, Spain
đź’Ľ Designation
- Predoctoral Researcher / PhD Fellow (Employment Contract under Spanish Law 14/2011)
đź“Š Key Information & Open Positions Table
Call Summary
| Parameter | Details |
| Host Institution | Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) |
| Contract Type | Pre-doctoral Employment Contract (renewed annually up to 4 years) |
| Gross Salary | €25,456.10 / year (divided into 12 monthly payments) |
| Fellowship Start | January 1, 2027 – July 1, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | September 20, 2026 |
Available Research Projects
| Project Reference | Supervisor(s) | Project Title |
| FPI-ICIQ 2026-02 AE | Prof. Antonio M. Echavarren Pablos | Superelectrophilic Gold Carbenes: Synthesis and Synthetic Applications (CARBENGOLD) |
| FPI-ICIQ 2026-03 ALL | Prof. Antoni Llobet Dalmases | Molecules and Hybrid Molecular Materials for Sustainable Electrocatalytic Energy Applications (Molenergy) |
| FPI-ICIQ 2026-04 EP/EMF | Prof. Emilio J. Palomares Gil / Dra. Eugenia MartĂnez Ferrero | Self-assembled molecules for efficient solar cells to power CO2 electro-reduction catalysts (SELFCO2) |
| FPI-ICIQ 2026-05 JLL | Prof. Julio Lloret Fillol | Renewable Electrosynthesis of Fine Intermediates and New Energy-carriers: From Mechanisms to Solar Devices (REFINE) |
| FPI-ICIQ 2026-06 MG | Prof. Marcos GarcĂa Suero | Stereoselective late-stage construction of chiral centers with a catalytic carbyne transfer platform (LATE-CHIRAL) |
🔬 Research Area
- Main Field: Chemistry & Chemical Sciences
- Sub-fields:
- Sustainable Catalysis & Organometallic Synthesis
- Molecular Energy Applications & Electrocatalysis
- Photovoltaics / Solar Cell Technology & COâ‚‚ Electro-reduction
- Renewable Electrosynthesis
- Late-stage Functionalization & Carbyne Transfer Chemistry
đź“Ť Location
- Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.
🎓 Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Academic Qualification: Hold a Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related fields that grant admission to a Spanish PhD program.
- Degree Completion Status: Candidates must have completed their Master’s degree at the time of enrolment.
- Academic Record: Excellent academic performance and a strong commitment to scientific research.
- Language Requirements: Working proficiency in English.
- Desirable Proof: B2 Certificate, First Certificate, IELTS (minimum 6.0), or equivalent.
- Exemptions: Native English speakers from the Anglosphere (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand). Shortlisted candidates without a certificate will be evaluated during an interview.
đź“ś Job Description & Benefits
- 4-Year Predoctoral Contract: Annual renewals subject to satisfactory progress.
- Salary & Compensation: Gross yearly salary set at €25,456.10.
- Healthcare & Pension: Full coverage under the Spanish Social Security system (public healthcare, pension, and unemployment benefits).
- Tuition Fees: PhD enrolment fees fully covered for up to 4 years.
- Global Mobility: Fully funded opportunities for short stays at prestigious international universities, companies, or research institutions.
- Comprehensive Training: Access to ICIQ’s personalized annual SHARP (Severo Ochoa PhD Training Program) covering advanced instrumentation, IP management, knowledge transfer, scientific communication, grant writing, and career planning.
- Postdoctoral Extension Option: Opportunity to transition to a Postdoctoral Orientation Phase (POP) for up to 12 months after defending the thesis (max. combined total of 48 months).
đź“© How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the ICIQ Career Portal. Email applications will not be accepted.
- Select your preferred project (a second project choice can be added or waived).
- Upload the required documents in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic background, research experience, publications, awards, and merits.
- Personal Statement (Max 2 A4 pages): Explaining academic background, career goals, interest in ICIQ, and specific motivation for the chosen research project/group.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Scanned copies of BSc and MSc official transcripts. Must include grading scales, minimum passing marks, and ECTS/hours. (Certified English translation required if not in English, Spanish, or Catalan).
- References: Contact details for two professors or industry researchers who can provide letters of recommendation.
- English Certificate: Optional but highly recommended.
đź“… Last Date to Apply
- Call Opening Date: July 20, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 20, 2026
- Evaluation Period: September 21 – November 1, 2026
- Notification to Selected Candidates: Mid-November 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: Between January 1, 2027, and July 1, 2027
