ICN2 PhD Programme 2026 Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia

Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST); Barcelona; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical care under Spanish public healthcare

Flexible timetable

Relocation support

Life insurance

Job summary

The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) offers a competitive PhD Programme for talented students wishing to advance their careers in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Selected candidates will benefit from extensive training, including access to outstanding research facilities and international collaboration opportunities.

Join BIST's innovative research environment to enhance your academic career. Candidates require a Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong research commitment, and proficient English skills. Relocation support and social benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent academic record and commitment to scientific research are essential.
• A high level of English is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
• Participate in technical training and seminars.

Skills

Research experience

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Programme description

The ICN2 offers a competitive PhD Programme to talented students who wish to develop a research career at one of the top European institutions in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Selected students will have the opportunity to develop their PhD thesis in a topic at the cutting‑edge of nanoresearch in a stimulating environment with access to outstanding research infrastructure.

Selected candidates will benefit from the ICN2 PhD Programme, which comprises a structured training path with scientific seminars, and technical and transferable skills training throughout the duration of their PhD, plus periodical monitoring and evaluation activities. The objective is to provide students with all the support they need for the proper development of their research career.

The ICN2 actively promotes international and interdisciplinary research. As such, our PhD students are strongly encouraged to undertake mobility actions, like research visits abroad (including industrial placements), collaborations with national and international partners, and conference and workshop attendance. The overall goal is to maximise the student’s career prospects after completing their PhD, improving their chances of continuing their research at prominent institutions worldwide in academia and/or industry.

Research areas and groups

Selected candidates will carry out their research in cross‑disciplinary research areas and/or application areas such as the ones listed below:

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

• Nanomaterials & Nanofabrication
• Nanocharacterisation
• Modelling and simulation

APPLICATION AREAS OF RESEARCH

• Health
• Energy
• Environment
• Information, communication and quantum technologies

Candidates can review the research lines here: http://icn2.cat/en/research

During the application process, candidates will be asked to select the ICN2 research group(s) they would like to join. Please visit the profiles of our groups at http://icn2.cat/en/research

Requirements

Candidates must fulfil the following requirements:

• Have obtained a Master’s or equivalent degree in a field of science, related to ICN2 research activities or group they would like to join, by the date of incorporation.
• Have an excellent academic record and strong commitment to scientific research. Previous research experience is highly regarded.
• High level of English.
• Specific additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the funding schemes available.

For any further clarification as to these requirements, applicants should contact [e-mail] prior to applying.

Research career profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Summary of conditions

The candidates pre‑selected for this programme will need to apply for competitive fellowships in order to secure the funding required to formalise their contract. The ICN2 will provide full support to these candidates for the preparation of their fellowship applications. Candidates who are successful in their applications will be admitted to the ICN2 PhD Programme, and will benefit from:

• Full‑time working contract as a PhD researcher. Contracts include medical care under the Spanish public healthcare system and workplace accident insurance.
• Relocation support.
• ICN2 social benefits: life insurance, flexible timetable, flexible compensation package.
• Training and monitoring programme: Students admitted to the ICN2 PhD Programme will have full access to the scientific, technical and transferable skills training and relevant monitoring activities organised each year.

Candidates can review the admission process on the website: https://icn2.cat/en/careers/phd-programme/who-when-how

How to apply

All applications must be done through the ICN2 careers website and include the following:

1. A cover letter.
2. A full CV, including contact details.
3. 2 reference letters.
4. Official academic records (if the transcripts are not in English, Catalan or Spanish, applicants must also attach a translation in one of the mentioned languages).
5. Applicants should indicate in the application form 3 ICN2 groups they would like to work in.

After submitting their application, the applicant will receive confirmation of receipt by email. For additional information in the application procedure, please contact [e-mail].

Selection process

Call opening – 19 June 2026

Deadline for applications – 5 August 2026*

Committee evaluation – September/October 2026

Notification to candidates – October/Nov 2026

* Applications will be reviewed continuously, and vacancies may be filled before the deadline due to the scholarship calendar. Do not wait until the deadline for your application.

Candidates are kindly requested not to contact the research groups directly, as they are unable to manage individual inquiries and such messages may remain unanswered. For any questions or further information, please contact [e-mail].

Equal opportunities

At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination—whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.

Supported by grant CEX2021-001214-S funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033