ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme 2026 – Third Call: Single-Atom Skeletal Modification to Impact Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia in Spain

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is offering a fully funded PhD position in chemistry for highly qualified graduate students from around the world. This third call of the 2026 ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD Programme leads to a doctoral thesis in partnership with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) in Tarragona, Spain.

The advertised project is supervised by Prof. Marcos G. Suero and focuses on Single-Atom Skeletal Modification to Impact Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology. The research aims to develop new concepts in skeletal modification chemistry, where one atom in the skeleton of an organic molecule is selectively deleted, inserted, or exchanged. These strategies are important because they can open up new chemical space and create access to molecules that are difficult to reach by conventional synthesis, with potential relevance to pharmaceutical, agrochemical, perfumery, and materials applications.

The successful candidate will join a creative and stimulating scientific environment at ICIQ, working on an individual research project under the direction of an internationally renowned group leader. The programme also includes opportunities for short stays in distinguished international research institutions and structured complementary training in technical and soft skills. Students can benefit from seminars, hands-on training with advanced instrumentation, IP management, entrepreneurship, research integrity, knowledge and technology transfer, grant writing, project management, communication skills, and broader career development. ICIQ also offers SHARP, a yearly personalized training programme for PhD students.

This is a competitive, full-time PhD opportunity aimed at exceptional students with a strong interest in chemical research, an excellent academic record, and a solid working knowledge of English. Applicants are expected to have a Master’s or equivalent degree by the time of enrolment in one of the eligible areas, including chemistry and related disciplines. Preferred skills include organic synthesis, organometallic catalysis, photocatalysis, and chemical biology.

The position is fully funded through a pre-doctoral contract. Funding includes a gross yearly salary, renewed annually for up to four years, full social security coverage, and reimbursement of PhD enrolment costs. The awardees are expected to work full-time at ICIQ and cannot hold another fellowship or regular income with the same purpose.

The application deadline is 8 November 2026. Applications must be submitted online through ICIQ’s Career Portal, with a CV, personal statement, transcripts, and two referees’ contact details. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed, and final decisions are expected by mid-November 2026.