Postdoctoral Researcher (Ref: Postdoc 2026-17 KV)

Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia ICIQ; España; On-site; EUR 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Continuous training plan

Good public transport connections

Flexible working hours

Job summary

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Villa research group in Spain. This ERC-StG PhotoSwim project focuses on hybrid photoactive systems for light-driven micro/nanomotors and photocatalytic applications.

We seek a PhD with strong organic/polymer synthesis skills, proficient in characterization of molecules/polymers and experience with photochemistry/photophysics.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry or a closely related field.
• Strong practical expertise in organic synthesis and/or polymer synthesis.
• Experience with structural and physicochemical characterization of molecules or polymers.
• Experience with organic photocatalysts and conjugated polymers will be valued.
• Knowledge of photochemistry/photophysics or colloidal materials is an advantage.
• Fluent written and spoken English; ability to work in an international multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and characterize functional organic molecules and/or polymers with tailored photoactive properties.
• Incorporate photoactive building blocks into particles, supramolecular assemblies or hybrid materials.
• Investigate relationships between molecular structure, material organization and photocatalytic performance.
• Physicochemical and photophysical characterization of nanomotors and related systems.
• Write research reports and scientific articles; present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with group members to integrate materials into light-driven microsystems.
• Provide guidance and support for students and team members.
• Contribute to laboratory organization and safety management.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer synthesis

Photocatalysis

Chromophores

Perylene diimides

BODIPYs

Education

PhD in organic/polymer/materials chemistry

Tools

Photoluminescence

Transient absorption spectroscopy

Image analysis

Job description

Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia ICIQ

Organisation/Company Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia ICIQ Department Villa Group Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 15 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number ERC (PhotoSwim) Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Villa research group. This position will be funded by ERC-StG PhotoSwim.

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: SustainableCatalysis, Renewable Energyand 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 http://www.iciq.org/ ).

Description of the project:We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry to develop hybrid photoactive systems. The project will combine molecular design, synthesis and materials assembly to create organic and polymer-based systems for light-driven micro/nanomotors and photocatalytic applications. Research will explore how molecular structure and material organization influence photochemical reactivity, motion and interactions, with applications in environmental remediation and energy conversion.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and characterize functional organic molecules and/or polymers with tailored photoactive properties.
• Incorporate photoactive building blocks into particles, supramolecular assemblies or hybrid materials.
• Investigate relationships between molecular structure, material organization and photocatalytic performance.
• Physicochemical and photophysical characterization of nanomotors, with emphasis on energy and charge transfer dynamics between components.
• Analysis of nanomotor motion performance using particle tracking, image processing, and statistical methods.
• Write research reports and scientific articles.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with group members to integrate the developed materials into light-driven microsystems.
• Provide guidance and support for students and team members.
• Contribution to laboratory organization and safety management.

Requirements:

• A PhD in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry or a closely related field.
• Strong practical expertise in organic synthesis and/or polymer synthesis.
• Experience in the structural and physicochemical characterization of molecules or polymers.
• Experience with organic photocatalysts, functional chromophores—including perylene diimides or BODIPYs—conjugated polymers or supramolecular materials will be valued.
• Knowledge of photochemistry, photophysics or colloidal materials will be an advantage.
• Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

We offer:

• A full-time contract for 3 years.
• Incorporation: 15/12/2026
• 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.
• 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 principles in the selection processes

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 follows in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

ICIQis committed to promoting a work-life balance for its employees and, as such, offers flexible working hours.

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the following phases:

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based.
• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.
• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.
• The candidate must have a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field by the start date of the contract.
• Strong background in nanomaterials, photocatalysis, photochemistry, or photoactive systems.
• In-depth knowledge of the physics of semiconductor surfaces, heterostructures, materials synthesis and surface functionalization.
• Proven experience in photoluminescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, lifetime measurements and photoelectrochemical measurements.
• Familiarity with micromotor or colloidal systems, particle tracking, or image analysis is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

We offer:

• A full-time contract for 3 years.
• Incorporation: December 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.
• 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.

Selection process

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the following phases:

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based.
• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.

Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.