Fully Funded PhD Programme 2026 in Chemistry at ICIQ Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia in Spain

ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 – Second Call

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is offering 8 fully funded PhD positions for exceptional graduate students from around the world. The programme leads to a doctoral thesis in partnership with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) and is focused on chemistry, with related eligibility in chemical engineering, pharmacy, and physics.

Successful candidates will join an individual research project under the direction of an internationally renowned Group Leader in a creative and stimulating scientific environment. The programme also includes short stays in distinguished international research institutions and complementary training in technical and soft skills. ICIQ highlights career development support through seminars, hands-on training with state-of-the-art instrumentation, IP management, entrepreneurship, research integrity, knowledge and technology transfer, grant applications, project management, communication skills, and career development. PhD students also take part in the yearly SHARP training programme.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline by the time of enrolment. A strong academic record, commitment to scientific research, and good English are expected. A B2 certificate, First Certificate, IELTS 6, or equivalent is preferred but not mandatory; candidates from Anglosphere countries are exempt from the English certificate requirement.

Application materials: CV, personal statement, official transcripts for BSc and MSc studies, referee contact details for two academic referees, and English proficiency evidence if available. Applicants must choose only one PhD supervisor. Applications must be submitted online through ICIQ’s Career Portal; email or hard-copy submissions are not accepted.

Funding: the award is a pre-doctoral employment contract for up to 4 years, renewed annually based on satisfactory progress. Salary is €19,007.22/year for years 1–2, €20,364.88/year for year 3, and €25,456.10/year for year 4, plus full social security coverage and access to Spanish public healthcare and benefits.

Deadline: 28 June 2026. Final selection decisions are expected by mid-July 2026.