Postdoctoral Researcher (Ref: Postdoc 2026-07 JB-CC)

Overview

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher. This position will be funded by Project AIA2025-163492-C54 financed by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. ICIQ is one of the world’s internationally recognized leading institutions in the field of chemistry committed to solving major social and economic challenges by conducting top quality research in three main areas: Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy and Health. The institute also aims at training the future generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational programs to masters, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (full details on ICIQ is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the AHEAD-P project (Artificial Intelligence and High-throughput Experimentation Accelerated Discovery of New Polymeric Materials for Applications in Smart Damage Sensing, Sustainability and Green Energy Production), a multidisciplinary research program combining polymer chemistry, functional materials, photocatalysis, artificial intelligence, and high-throughput experimentation. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced polymeric materials for two complementary application areas: (i) mechanoresponsive polymers capable of reporting mechanical damage through optical signals and (ii) functional polymeric nanoreactors for solar-driven chemical transformations. The project will exploit data-driven methodologies, computational screening, and automated experimentation to accelerate materials discovery and optimization. The researcher will work across the groups of Prof. José Berrocal and Prof. Carla Casadevall at ICIQ and interact with experts in polymer synthesis, materials characterization, photocatalysis, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize functional organic molecules, polymers, and polymer-based materials.
• Characterize molecular and polymeric systems using a broad range of analytical techniques.
• Participate in the development and optimization of functional materials for sensing and energy-related applications.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and contribute to data-driven research workflows.
• Collaborate with researchers from different disciplines, including polymer chemistry, photocatalysis, automation, and artificial intelligence.
• Contribute to scientific publications, reports, and presentations.
• Support the supervision of graduate students and maintain high laboratory safety standards.

Requirements

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Macromolecular Science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in synthetic chemistry and/or polymer synthesis, and/or inorganic and coordination chemistry.
• Experience with characterization techniques such as NMR, SEC/GPC, FTIR, UV-vis, DSC, TGA, DLS, microscopy, or related methods.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications or equivalent research outputs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Desirable

• Experience in controlled/living polymerization techniques.
• Experience with self-assembled polymeric systems, soft materials, or nanostructured materials.
• Experience in photocatalysis, solar fuels, artificial photosynthesis, or light-driven chemical transformations.
• Experience in automation, high-throughput experimentation, or data-driven materials discovery.

Valued qualities

• Strong experimental intuition and problem-solving mindset in synthesis-driven research.
• High level of motivation, curiosity, and resilience when facing challenging synthetic targets.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to mentor junior researchers and contribute to a positive group environment.
• Interest in method development, new synthetic strategies, or functional materials.
• Prior experience in interdisciplinary projects (e.g., chemistry–materials, chemistry–physics, or chemistry–biology) is a plus.
• Motivation to work in a new multidisciplinary project as part of a Spanish consortium in AI applied to chemistry, materials development, catalysis, and energy conversion.
• Strong presentation and communication skills to communicate the project advances to the other consortium members.

We offer

• A full-time contract linked to the Project AIA2025-163492-C54 financed by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.
• Incorporation: As soon as possible and before November 1st, 2026.
• An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team.
• Annual salary split into 12 monthly payments.
• Remuneration aligned with the company’s salary policy, within the PIIP1–PIIP4 band (28.560€ - 36.720€), based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Flexible 37.5 hours working week.
• Option to work remotely one day a week.
• Free parking available at our facilities.
• Continuous training plan to support your professional development.
• Good connection to public transportation networks.
• Facilities with spacious areas, abundant natural light, and a functional, well‑designed environment aimed at enhancing people’s wellbeing.

OTM-R and Policies

ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission. ICIQ also adheres to gender equality and non-discrimination policies on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability. The institute promotes work-life balance with flexible working hours.

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process typically includes pre-selection based on qualifications and expertise, an interview with the Hiring Manager and the Selection Committee, and an offer letter detailing start date, salary, and conditions. The interview lasts approximately one hour, with a 5-minute personal background presentation and a 15-minute focus on research. The interview is conducted in English.