PhD Student (Ref: PhD 2026-17 JLL) – AI-driven Catalyst Development
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is offering a fully funded PhD position in Prof. Julio Lloret-Fillol’s research group in Tarragona, Spain. The project, titled
AI-driven Catalyst Development
, focuses on accelerating the discovery of electrocatalysts for converting CO₂ into fuels and chemical feedstocks by combining catalyst design, automated high-throughput experimentation, real-time analysis, and artificial intelligence.
The successful candidate will work with AMPER, an automated modular platform for electrochemical research developed at ICIQ. The project aims to transform this platform into a closed-loop self-driving laboratory where experimental data are analyzed as they are generated and Bayesian optimization, active learning, and AI agents propose the next most informative experiments. The scientific focus is on selective and robust electrocatalysts, especially based on earth-abundant elements, for CO₂ reduction toward fuels and energy carriers.
The position is embedded in the interdisciplinary RAISE/2AID consortium, connecting chemists, roboticists, and AI researchers. The PhD student will gain training in catalyst synthesis, electrochemistry, reaction engineering, spectroscopy, mechanistic analysis, high-throughput experimentation, machine learning, data processing, laboratory automation, and instrument integration. The project also includes opportunities for research stays or secondments with collaborating groups, depending on the work plan.
ICIQ is an internationally recognized chemistry institute with research strengths in Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy, and Health. PhD students benefit from scientific seminars, hands-on training with state-of-the-art instrumentation, and professional development in research integrity, IP management, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, grant writing, project management, communication, and career development. The institute also offers the SHARP training programme for PhD students.
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science, or a related field completed by enrolment. A strong background in chemistry, catalysis, electrochemistry, or materials synthesis is preferred. Experience with Python, automation, electronics, experimental design, or machine learning is welcome but not required. Good written and spoken English is expected, with B2 or equivalent desirable; candidates from Anglosphere countries are exempt from providing an English certificate.
The post is fully funded under an ICIQ pre-doctoral contract regulated by Spanish law. The contract is renewed annually for up to 4 years and includes gross yearly salaries of 19,007.22 EUR for years 1-2, 20,364.88 EUR for year 3, and 25,456.10 EUR for year 4, plus full social security coverage. Enrolment costs for the PhD programme are reimbursed by ICIQ. The application deadline is 17 September 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Madrid).
To apply, candidates must submit a PDF CV, a personal statement describing their background and fit with the project, official academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Non-English/Catalan/Spanish transcripts require a certified English translation, and AI-generated documents will be discarded.
