The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
is seeking a PhD student to work in Prof. Núria López’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: Modelling Electrochemical
Interfaces Requirements Candidates must have a Master’s or an
equivalent degree in the areas of Computer Science, Physics,
Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, 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. AI generated documents will be directly discarded.




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 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.
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. 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
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.
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. The contract will take effect on the date
when the awarded student joins the centre. 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. The PhD awardees will work full-time at ICIQ and may not
receive any other fellowship or regular income. 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. The validity of the Offer Letter is for 3 months. If
the incorporation has not taken place the People Unit together with
the PI will reevaluate the situation and terminate the offer if
needed. For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in
Research page at: HR Excellence in Research ( iciq.org
)

📌 PhD Student (Ref: PhD 2026-16 NL) (Cataluña)
🏢 ICIQ
📍 Cataluña