Summary
The MERCI (Momentum for European Research Career at ICIQ) programme is a prestigious, co-funded postdoctoral initiative under the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA Choose Europe for Science COFUND) hosted by the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ).
Postdoctoral Fellowships – MERCI Programme (MSCA COFUND)
The programme aims to recruit 4 highly talented, autonomous postdoctoral researchers to integrate into the European R&D&I ecosystem. MERCI provides long-term career stability, comprehensive training, secondment opportunities with European partners, and personalized mentorship to support fellows in transitioning toward established researcher (R3) status and becoming future Group Leaders.
Designation
- Role: Postdoctoral Researcher / MERCI Fellow
- Positions Available: 4 vacancies
- Contract Type: Full-time, multi-year research fellowship (Up to 5 years / 60 months)
Overview & Remuneration
| Parameter | Details |
| Programme Name | MERCI (Momentum for European Research Career at ICIQ) |
| Funding Scheme | EU Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND & ICIQ |
| Duration | 5 Years (Phase 1: 36 months + Phase 2: 24 months) |
| Phase 1 Salary | ~€60,000 / year (EU co-funded) |
| Phase 2 Salary | ~€50,000 / year (ICIQ funded) |
| Research Allowance | €400 / month |
| Training Allowance | €350 / month |
| Family Allowance | €100 / month (if eligible) |
| Relocation / Welcome Stipend | €1,800 (one-time) |
Research Area
Candidates have the academic freedom to propose a bottom-up research project within ICIQ’s core thematic areas:
- Sustainable Catalysis: Developing innovative catalytic systems and strategies for efficient resource utilization, carbon neutrality, and waste reduction.
- Renewable Energies: Exploring functional materials and chemical solutions for energy conversion, artificial photosynthesis, batteries, and solar fuels.
- Molecular Medicine: Advancing chemical biology, targeted diagnostics, and sustainable drug discovery and synthesis.
Location
- Host Institution: Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ) – CERCA Centre / BIST Member
- City / Country: Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates must satisfy all of the following requirements at the time of the call deadline:
- Doctoral Degree: Must hold a recognized PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Postdoctoral Experience: Between 2 and 10 years of postdoctoral research experience (exceptions apply for documented career breaks, including parental leave, illness, or national service).
- MSCA Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the application deadline.
- Employment Status: Candidates must not hold a permanent employment contract with ICIQ.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
- Independent Research: Design and execute a high-impact, independent research project aligned with one of ICIQ’s main scientific pillars.
- Leadership & Supervision: Co-supervise PhD and Master’s students, gaining hands-on leadership and project management experience.
- Secondments & Collaborations: Complete research stays and secondments at partner academic institutions or industrial organizations across Europe.
- Scientific Output: Disseminate findings through high-impact peer-reviewed publications, patent applications, and presentations at international conferences.
- Career Development: Participate in transferable skills training (grant writing, IP management, entrepreneurship, and public engagement) under a personalized Career Development Plan (CDP).
How to Apply
- Visit the official ICIQ Careers / MERCI Portal at iciq.org/merci.
- Review the call guidelines, template documents, and evaluation criteria.
- Prepare and submit the application package online, including:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and track-record statement.
- Research Proposal (following the official MERCI template).
- Letter of Motivation.
- Two letters of recommendation or contact information for referees.
- PhD certificate and documentation verifying compliance with the MSCA mobility rule.
Last Date to Apply
- Application Deadline: Please check the official call page at iciq.org/merci for current cut-off dates and upcoming evaluation rounds (Deadlines are strictly enforced via the online submission system).
