Overview
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is offering a fully-funded PhD position within Dr. Carla Casadevall’s Research Group. This multidisciplinary project operates at the exciting intersection of molecular catalysis, polymer chemistry, nanoscience, photochemistry, and artificial intelligence to tackle sustainable energy conversion challenges.
Position Details
- Designation: PhD Student (Research Personnel in Training)
- Reference Code: PhD 2026-15 CC
- Location: Tarragona, Spain (ICIQ Center)
- Employment Type: Full-time (Pre-doctoral contract)
- Research Area: Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy, Polymer Chemistry, and Machine Learning
Financial Benefits & Grant Conditions
The selected candidate will receive a pre-doctoral contract regulated under Spanish Law, renewed annually for up to 4 years (subject to satisfactory performance).
| Year of PhD | Gross Yearly Salary | Benefits Included |
| First & Second Year | €19,007.22 / year | Full Social Security coverage, public health care access, pension, and unemployment benefits. |
| Third Year | €20,364.88 / year | Full tuition enrollment cost coverage (reimbursed by ICIQ). |
| Fourth Year | €25,456.10 / year | Access to temporary interruption allowances (e.g., disability, parental leave). |
Job & Project Description
Project Title: Machine Learning and High-Throughput Screening-Accelerated Discovery of Photocatalytic Polymeric Vesicles for Artificial Photosynthesis
The successful candidate will work within a national consortium (AIA2025-163492-C54) to develop and optimize bioinspired catalytic polymeric vesicles. The primary focus is solar fuel production and sustainable chemical synthesis, with a specific emphasis on light-driven $\text{CO}_2$ conversion.
Key responsibilities and opportunities include:
- Conducting individual research under an internationally renowned Group Leader.
- Utilizing high-throughput screening, AI-guided optimization, and computational modeling.
- Participating in ICIQ’s annual personalized training program (SHARP).
- Opportunities for short research stays at distinguished international institutions.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Degree: Must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline by the time of PhD enrollment.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in written and oral English. A B2 certificate (First Certificate, IELTS 6, or equivalent) is highly desirable. Note: Native English speakers from the Anglosphere are exempt.
- Core Traits: Highly motivated individuals aligned with the principles of Open, Transparent, and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R).
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application directly through the online application portal on the ICIQ Careers Page.
The following documentation must be uploaded in PDF format:
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including academic background, research experience, publications, conferences, and references.
- Personal Statement: (Maximum 2 pages) Describing academic history, research interests, career goals, and specific reasons for wanting to join Dr. Carla Casadevall’s group.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Scanned copies of certified BSc and MSc records. If the Master’s is ongoing, include currently enrolled subjects and credit details. Non-English/Spanish/Catalan transcripts require a certified English translation.
- Reference Contacts: Names and contact details of two university professors or professionals who can assess your research potential (references are contacted only if shortlisted).
Important Dates
- Last Date to Apply: July 24, 2026
