Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) - ICIQ PhD Programme

What you get

You will be offered a paid four-year PhD post at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) in Tarragona, Spain. This is a full-time employment contract, not a scholarship, so you will be entitled to Spanish social security benefits: state healthcare, a pension scheme and unemployment insurance. Your salary will increase each year, reaching up to 25,456 EUR per year (gross) in the final year. The ICIQ will also reimburse your PhD tuition fees and fund short research stays at institutions abroad. Over the four years, you will receive structured training in laboratory and programming skills, scientific writing, entrepreneurship and career development. You will lead your own research project within one of 19 research groups. You will be awarded an official PhD in Chemistry and Technological Sciences from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. The research areas are sustainable catalysis, renewable energies and molecular medicine.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification, or you will have completed one by the start of the programme.
• Field of study: You have a degree in chemistry, pharmacy, physics, chemical engineering or a related subject.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record.
• Nationality: Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply.
• Where you go: The PhD programme takes place in Tarragona, Spain.
• English: You must be able to work in English. A B2 certificate (e.g. First Certificate or IELTS 6) is an advantage but not essential; your English language skills may be assessed during the interview. Applicants from English-speaking countries do not need a certificate.
• Commitment: You are seeking a career in scientific research. As this is a full-time position, you must not be in receipt of any other scholarship or regular income for the same purpose.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the ICIQ careers portal. Applications sent by email will not be accepted. You must submit a CV, a covering letter, your BSc and MSc degree certificates, and the contact details of two referees. There are several recruitment rounds each year, with an application deadline on 20 September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection process is highly competitive, and as the ICIQ is a renowned research centre, it attracts highly qualified candidates from all over the world. Your track record to date and the extent to which you are a good fit for a particular group’s project are given roughly equal weighting. If you have a solid academic background in chemistry or a related field, can demonstrate a genuine interest in a specific ICIQ group, and apply early to a current vacancy, your prospects are realistic.