ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 – Third Call: AI-Accelerated Photochemical Upgrading of Pollutants in Flow Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia in Spain

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is offering a fully funded PhD programme in chemistry for exceptional graduate students from around the world. This third call is for a doctoral project titled AI-Accelerated Photochemical Upgrading of Pollutants in Flow, supervised by Dr. Jesus Sanjose-Orduna and Prof. Monica Perez-Temprano at ICIQ in Tarragona, Spain, in collaboration with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV).

The project sits at the intersection of chemistry, catalysis, flow chemistry, automation, robotics, microfluidics, and machine learning. The selected PhD researcher will help develop automated, data-driven workflows to discover and optimize catalytic transformations in continuous flow, with a focus on recycling or upgrading harmful pollutants. The work includes designing and running experiments on automated platforms and microfluidic reactors, operating and troubleshooting continuous-flow systems, building standardized datasets for machine learning, analysing experimental results, and contributing to reports, publications, and conferences.

ICIQ emphasizes a strong research-training environment. In addition to the main doctoral project, students can benefit from short stays in international research institutions and complementary training in scientific and soft skills. The programme includes seminars, hands-on use of advanced scientific instrumentation, IP management, entrepreneurship, research integrity, knowledge transfer, grant writing, project management, communication, and career development. Students also participate in ICIQ’s SHARP training programme, tailored to each PhD year.

The position is open to highly qualified candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, pharmacy, physics, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. A strong academic record, commitment to research, and good English skills are required; B2-level English or equivalent is desirable, though not mandatory. The project description particularly values a background in synthetic organic chemistry, interest in catalysis or reaction development, and curiosity about automation, flow chemistry, programming, and sustainable chemistry.

This is a fully funded pre-doctoral contract under Spanish science law, renewed annually for up to four years. The stipend/salary is paid in 12 monthly instalments and increases over the course of the contract. Full social security coverage is included, and PhD enrolment costs are reimbursed by ICIQ. The position is full-time at ICIQ, and it is incompatible with other fellowships or regular income of the same purpose.

Applications must be submitted online through ICIQ’s Career Portal by 8 November 2026. Applicants should provide a CV, personal statement, official transcripts, and contact information for two references. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed, and all applicants are expected to receive a final decision by mid-November 2026.