TERRA-MED predoctoral programme – 2 PhD positions open at ICIQ Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia in Spain

The TERRA-MED predoctoral programme is an international doctoral initiative recruiting doctoral researchers to work on environmental and climate challenges affecting Mediterranean territories. The programme is coordinated by the Euroregion Pyrenees–Mediterranean and is co-funded by the European Union through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA COFUND). It brings together research institutions across France and Spain and combines academic mobility, intersectoral collaboration, and structured training for doctoral candidates.

ICIQ (the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia) participates as an implementing partner and is recruiting two PhD candidates within this call. These positions are embedded in a broader programme that offers funded doctoral projects across six thematic areas, including chemistry, materials and biotechnology, energy, water resources, biodiversity, food systems, and digital transitions. The overall research environment is international, interdisciplinary, and designed to support doctoral development through complementary expertise, facilities, and career training.

ICIQ2 – Mo Speciation in Biological Systems: The MoSto Protein focuses on theoretical and computational chemistry and the physical chemistry of biological systems. The project involves co-supervision at ICIQ with Carles Bo and Albert Solé-Daura, and a co-host arrangement with CBI, Université de Toulouse, involving Matthieu Chavent. Keywords include POMs, DFT, speciation, molecular dynamics, force fields, coarse grain methods, meso-scale modelling, and oligo-elements.

ICIQ3 – Understanding the keys to efficiency in mechanochemistry addresses mechanochemistry, density functional theory, microkinetic modelling, ball milling, reaction mechanisms, process intensification, and green chemistry. The project is co-supervised at ICIQ by Feliu Maseras and co-hosted with Institut Charles Gerhardt, Université de Montpellier, with Evelina Colacino as co-supervisor.

A third related PhD project, UT14, is also described in the programme materials and involves ICIQ as a co-host/co-supervisor partner on electrolyzer technologies, intermittent renewable electricity, dynamic behaviour, ageing, modelling, and energy systems. This reflects the programme’s broader cross-border collaboration and its connection to sustainable energy research.

The positions are funded doctoral opportunities and are part of a large MSCA COFUND programme. Applications open on 15 October 2026 and close on 31 December 2026. The expected start date is September 2027. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent by the deadline and demonstrate excellent English. The application package includes a narrative CV, cover letter, evidence of understanding of the proposed thesis topic, and academic degree and marks certificates.

Applications are managed via the TERRA-MED central site. Candidates should review the guide for applicants and submit their materials through the online portal before the deadline.