PhD Fellowships in Photonics, Quantum Science, Biophotonics, Advanced Materials, and Ultrafast Science at ICFO (Spring 2026) Institute of Photonic Sciences in Spain

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) in Spain is offering up to 5 Severo Ochoa PhD Fellowships for Spring 2026, targeting outstanding graduate students interested in pursuing doctoral research in photonics and related fields. ICFO provides a world-class research environment with interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and research opportunities across all ICFO research groups. Key research areas include photonics, quantum science and technology, biophotonics, advanced materials, ultrafast science, optoelectronics, energy and environment, and medical photonics.

The PhD program is designed to bring together top-level training and teaching for young scientists, leveraging the extensive course offerings of local universities and focused instruction by ICFO professors. Students benefit from ICFO’s network of excellence, which includes national and international research institutes, universities, and industrial partners. Research lines span theoretical and experimental aspects of advanced materials (including nano-materials and 2D materials), quantum science (communications, computing, sensing, materials, chemistry), bionano and medical photonics (super-resolution imaging, molecular and cellular biology, clinical diagnostics and therapies), and ultrafast science (light-matter interactions, nonlinear responses, pulsed light).

Applicants must hold a degree in a field of science or engineering related to ICFO research activities, such as physics, materials science, biology, chemistry, or engineering. The program welcomes applications from highly motivated students with a strong academic record. During the application process, candidates are required to indicate their preferred research group(s). The fellowships are fully funded by the Spanish State Research Agency/Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence Programme, covering tuition and providing a stipend.

To apply, candidates should visit the ICFO jobs portal and submit an online application, specifying their research interests and preferred groups. The deadline for applications is February 9, 2026. For more information about ICFO research groups and group leaders, applicants are encouraged to browse the ICFO website and contact group leaders directly if desired.