ICIQ PhD Scholarship 2027 in Spain | Fully Funded

ICIQ PhD Scholarship is a fully funded PhD position at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) supporting exceptional graduate students to enrol in a doctoral training and research programme in chemistry leading to a Doctoral Thesis in partnership with Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV).

The scholarship is offered by ICIQ, a public research foundation based in Tarragona focused on sustainable catalysis, renewable energy and molecular medicine, with more than 300 professionals across 19 research groups and multiple international collaborations. Learn more at www.iciq.cat.

ICIQ PhD Scholarship Benefits

• The awardees of an ICIQ Fully-Funded PhD position will be considered research personnel in training and they will have an employment contract (a pre-doctoral contract) which is regulated in the Spanish Law 14/2011, of June 1st, of Science, Technology and Education.
• Pre-doctoral contracts are renewed annually for up to 4 years. Renewal is subject to satisfactory performance in the PhD studies and related research activities.
• The gross yearly salary of the contract shall be split into 12 monthly payments and distributed as shown below: First and Second year of PhD: 19.007,22€ /year; Third year of PhD: 20.364,88€ /year; Fourth year of PhD: 25.456,10€ /year.
• The fellowship includes full social security coverage through the Spanish Social Security system, providing access to the Spanish public health care system and pension and unemployment benefits.
• The grant holder is entitled to temporarily interrupt the fellowship in the following situations: temporary disability, risk during pregnancy, maternity, paternity and adoption or foster care. The time elapsed during this interruption will not be accounted for against the total time.
• The contract will take effect on the date when the awarded student joins the centre.
• The Fully-Funded PhD includes the costs of enrolment in the PhD programme. These costs will be paid by each beneficiary to the university, and later they will be refunded by ICIQ. The PhD thesis has to be completed within 4 years.
• The PhD awardees will work full-time at ICIQ and may not receive any other fellowship or regular income.
• The Fully-Funded PhD position is incompatible with any other fellowship with the same purpose.

ICIQ PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• The programme is addressed to highly qualified and talented graduate students with a keen interest in chemical research. Candidates should have an excellent academic record, strong commitment to scientific research and a solid working knowledge of English.
• Candidates must have a Master’s or an equivalent degree in the areas of Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines that must be completed by the time of enrolment in the PhD programme.
• Applicants must provide evidence of their proficiency in written and oral communication in the English language. Preferably, by the submission of a B2 certificate, First Certificate, IELTS 6 or equivalent. This certificate is not mandatory but desirable, and alternatively late-stage candidates will be interviewed to assess their English level. Applicants from Anglosphere (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) are exempt from this requirement.

How to Apply for ICIQ PhD Scholarship

• The entire application process will be completed online. Applicants must apply by accessing ICIQ’s Career Portal. Applications sent by email or any other means will not be eligible.
• After completing the online form, applicants must attach a full Curriculum Vitae (in PDF format).
• Attach a personal statement that describes the applicant’s academic background, research experience and career goals (maximum two DIN A4 pages, in PDF format).
• Attach official transcripts of BSc and MSc studies in PDF format. Provide certified translations to English if records are not in Catalan, Spanish or English.
• Provide contact details for letters of recommendation of two University professors or other relevant individuals. ICIQ will contact referees only if a candidate is shortlisted.
• Provide evidence of English proficiency preferably via B2 certificate, First Certificate, IELTS 6 or equivalent, or be prepared for an interview to assess English level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ICIQ PhD Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official call information.