Overview
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a PhD student to work in Dr. Carla Casadevall’s research group.
ICIQ is recognized internationally as a leading institution in chemistry, focused on Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy and Health. The institute offers high‑quality educational programmes to masters, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
Project Title and Description
Machine Learning and High‑Throughput Screening‑Accelerated Discovery of Photocatalytic Polymeric Vesicles for Artificial Photosynthesis
This multidisciplinary PhD project will develop and optimize bioinspired catalytic polymeric vesicles for solar fuel production and sustainable chemical synthesis, with emphasis on light‑driven CO 2 conversion. The project draws on molecular catalysis, polymer chemistry, nanoscience, photochemistry, artificial photosynthesis, computational modelling, machine learning, AI‑guided optimisation, high‑throughput screening and automation.
Responsibilities
- Lead a research project in collaboration with the group leader, designing experiments,



synthesising materials and performing spectroscopic, photochemical and catalytic characterisations.
- Implement machine‑learning workflows and high‑throughput screening pipelines for the optimisation of photocatalytic polymeric vesicles.
- Analyse and model data, prepare manuscripts and reports, and present findings at seminars and conferences.
- Participate in laboratory safety, IP management and grant‑application activities.

Qualifications
- Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines, completed before enrolment in the PhD programme.
- Strong background in experimental chemistry and experience with polymer synthesis or materials characterisation is desirable.
- Interest in computational/ML approaches and high‑throughput experimentation.

Benefits & Grant Conditions
- Full social‑security coverage via the Spanish Social Security syste

📌 PhD Student (España)
🏢 ICIQ
📍 España