The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
is seeking a PhD student to work in Dr. Carla Casadevall’s Research
Group. ICIQ is one of the world’s internationally recognized
leading institutions in the field of chemistry committed to solving
major social and economic challenges by conducting top quality
research in three main areas: Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable
Energy and Health. The institute also aims at training the future
generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational
programs to masters, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
(full details on http://www.iciq.org/ ). This objective is achieved
by: The performance of an individual research project under the
direction of an internationally renowned Group Leader, in a
creative and stimulating scientific environment. Opportunities for
short stays in distinguished international research institutions.
Opportunities for complementary training in both technical and soft
skills. The educational framework is designed to ensure a
successful career: scientific seminars , hands-on training in the
use of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation, IP management,
entrepreneurship, research integrity, knowledge and technology
transfer, grant applications, project management, communication
skills and career development. ICIQ offers a yearly personalized
training programme for PhD students, SHARP, which takes place
during the course of 2 weeks, with training focused on their given
PhD year. Project Title and Description: Machine Learning and
High-Throughput Screening-Accelerated Discovery of Photocatalytic
Polymeric Vesicles for Artificial Photosynthesis Description of the
project: This multidisciplinary PhD project lies at the interface
of molecular catalysis, polymer chemistry, nanoscience,
photochemistry and artificial photosynthesis. The project aims to
develop and optimize bioinspired catalytic polymeric vesicles for
solar fuel production and sustainable chemical synthesis, with
particular emphasis on light-driven CO₂ conversion. The position is
funded within a national consortium AIA2025-163492-C54, financed by
MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. The consortium integrates
catalysis, computational modelling, machine learning, AI-guided
optimization, high-throughput screening and automation, offering a
highly interdisciplinary training environment in molecular design,
materials synthesis, spectroscopy, photocatalysis and sustainable
energy conversion. Requirements Candidates must have a Master’s or
an equivalent degree in the areas of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical
Engineering or related disciplines that must be completed by the
time of enrolment in the PhD programme. Required documentation A
full Curriculum Vitae (in PDF format). It should include the
academic background, work or research experience, publications,
conferences,



grants and awards, previous participation in ICIQ
programmes, other relevant merits and references. A personal
statement that describes the applicant’s academic background,
research experience and career goals (maximum two DIN A4 pages, in
PDF format). This is a very important section of the application
process. The candidate must be able to communicate their interests
and how these would align with ICIQ and a PhD training. Candidates
should also mention the research group where they would like to
carry out their PhD, and the reasons why they are interested in a
particular group leader and their research project. Official
transcripts of BSc and MSc studies in PDF format. A scanned copy of
the certified academic record of the studies granting access to the
PhD programme (BSc and MSc if available). In case that the MSc
studies have not yet been completed at the time of the application,
candidates must include details on the subjects in which they are
currently enrolled (subject name and number of credits). For
academic records not issued in Catalan, Spanish or English, a
certified translation in English should be provided; otherwise,
applications which do not include a certified translation of the
academic record will be non-eligible and, therefore, not taken into
consideration. For degrees obtained in foreign institutions, the
academic record must include the range of marks used in the
corresponding countries and the minimum mark to pass, as well as
the hours or ECTS and marks for each subject. Contact details for
letters of recommendation of two University professors or other
relevant individuals who can assess the candidate’s potential for
research. ICIQ will contact the people listed as references only in
the event that a candidate is shortlisted. We suggest informing
your references. English proficiency level : Applicants must
provide evidence of their proficiency in written and oral
communication in the English language. Preferably, by the
submission of a B2 certificate, First Certificate, IELTS 6 or
equivalent. This certificate is not mandatory but desirable, and
alternatively late stage candidates will be interviewed to assess
their English level. Applicants from Anglosphere (UK, Ireland, USA,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand) are exempt from this
requirement. Grant Conditions 1. The awardees of an ICIQ
Fully-Funded PhD position will be considered research personnel in




training and they will have an employment contract (a pre-doctoral
contract) which is regulated in the Spanish Law 14/2011, of June
1st, of Science, Technology and Education. 2. Pre-doctoral
contracts are renewed annually for up to 4 years. Renewal is
subject to satisfactory performance in the PhD studies and related
research activities. 3. The gross yearly salary of the contract
shall be split into 12 monthly payments and distributed as shown
below: First and Second year of PhD: 19.007,22€ /year Third year of
PhD: 20.364,88€ /year Fourth year of PhD: 25.456,10€ /year 4. The
fellowship includes full social security coverage through the
Spanish Social Security system, providing access to the Spanish
public health care system and pension and unemployment benefits. 5.
The grant holder is entitled to temporarily interrupt the
fellowship in the following situations: temporary disability, risk
during pregnancy, maternity, paternity and adoption or foster care.
The time elapsed during this interruption will not be accounted for
against the total time. 6. The contract will take effect on the
date when the awarded student joins the centre. 7. The Fully-Funded
PhD includes the costs of enrolment in the PhD programme. These
costs will be paid by each beneficiary to the university, and later
they will be refunded by ICIQ. The PhD thesis has to be completed
within 4 years. 8. The PhD awardees will work full-time at ICIQ and
may not receive any other fellowship or regular income. 9. The
Fully-Funded PhD position is incompatible with any other fellowship
with the same purpose. OTM-R principles in the selection processes
ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based
Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of
Researchers as established by the European Commission. ICIQ follows
in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a
non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social
origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and
disability. ICIQ is committed to promoting a work-life balance for
its employees and, as such, offers adaptable working hours.
Selection Process ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the
following phases: Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be
based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the
candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based. Interview: Preselected
candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the
position and the appointed Selection Committee. Offer Letter: Once
the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a
Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job
conditions. For further information, you can visit our HR
Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (
iciq.org )

📌 PhD Student (Ref: PhD 2026-15 CC) (Cataluña)
🏢 ICIQ
📍 Cataluña