ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 – Third Call: Light-Driven Oscillatory Micromotor Systems Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia in Spain

Fully-funded PhD opportunity at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Spain

This call is for a PhD position in the ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 – Third Call, hosted by the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) in Tarragona, Spain, in partnership with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV). The advertised project is supervised by Prof. Katherine Villa and focuses on Light-Driven Oscillatory Micromotor Systems.

The research project explores the design of photoactive micro/nanomotors capable of autonomous oscillatory dynamics and collective behavior. The successful PhD student will investigate how photocatalytic reactions, chemical gradients, and interparticle interactions can be used to create adaptive active systems that communicate, synchronize, and respond to their environment. The work combines photocatalysis, materials chemistry, optical microscopy, and particle-tracking analysis to uncover design principles for dynamic, functional matter.

Typical tasks include the design and synthesis of photoactive micro/nanomotors, structural and physicochemical characterization, study of light- and chemistry-dependent dynamics, identification of chemical species and gradients driving propulsion and oscillation, single-particle and collective dynamics analysis, and investigation of chemical communication and synchronization in interacting populations. The project also involves data interpretation, scientific writing, and conference presentations.

The programme is open to highly qualified graduate students from any nationality with a strong interest in chemical research. Eligible applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, completed by the time of enrolment. Candidates should have an excellent academic record, strong motivation for research, and good English communication skills. A B2-level certificate, First Certificate, IELTS 6, or equivalent is preferred, though not mandatory; applicants from Anglosphere countries are exempt from this requirement.

ICIQ emphasizes a stimulating research environment, an individual project under an internationally renowned Group Leader, short stays in distinguished international institutions, and extensive training in both technical and soft skills. The training framework includes scientific seminars, use of advanced instrumentation, IP management, entrepreneurship, research integrity, technology transfer, grant applications, project management, communication skills, and career development through the SHARP programme.

The position is fully funded through a pre-doctoral employment contract for up to 4 years. The gross annual salary is 19,007.22 EUR for years 1 and 2, 20,364.88 EUR for year 3, and 25,456.10 EUR for year 4, with full social security coverage. PhD enrolment costs are paid by the student and later refunded by ICIQ. The contract is full-time and cannot be combined with other fellowships or regular income.

The application deadline is 2026-11-08. Applications must be submitted online via ICIQ’s Career Portal, not by email or post. Required documents include a CV, personal statement, official transcripts for BSc and MSc studies, and contact details for two referees. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interview.