The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades – MICIU) and the State Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación – AEI) have granted the prestigious “Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre” accreditation to the Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ) for the third time. This is the highest recognition for scientific institutions in Spain, alongside the “María de Maeztu Excellence Unit” accreditation. The execution of the strategic research plan will last for four years, while the “Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre” accreditation will be valid for a maximum of six years, starting from 1 April 2025.

This recognition was granted following a rigorous evaluation and competitive selection process, based on scientific criteria and in line with the highest international standards. It highlights the leadership in research and the development of transformative institutional programmes aimed at consolidating the centre’s capabilities and contributing to the leadership of research.

With this new accreditation, ICIQ renews its membership in the SOMMa Alliance (Severo Ochoa and María de Maeztu), a network that brings together the most outstanding research centres and units in the country, reinforcing its commitment to open, competitive, and international science. Of the 17 accreditations granted in this call across Spain, two are located in the city of Tarragona: ICIQ (Severo Ochoa) and IPHES (María de Maeztu), reinforcing the city’s role as an emerging hub of leading scientific research.

This project has received funding from the Spanish State Research Agency/Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the “Severo Ochoa” Centres of Excellence Programme 2024 (CEX2024-001469-S, MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

The ICIQ Severo Ochoa Predoctoral Fellowships for Researchers Training are aimed at exceptional graduate students from all over the world. These PhD studentships will support your enrolment in a training and research program in the field of chemistry, ultimately leading to the completion of a PhD in Chemistry in partnership with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV).The PhD will be ascribed to the CEX2024-001469-S project funded by the ‘Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades / Agencia Estatal de Investigación (MICIU/AEI)’ in the framework of the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals.

The PhD trainees will have the opportunity to receive comprehensive training in order to successfully prepare for their professional career in academia or industry. This objective is achieved by the following activities:

• The performance of each individual research project is aligned with one of the research lines of the ICIQ-Severo Ochoa Strategic Plan - Innovative Catalysis, Renewable Energy Vectors, and Molecular Medicine- in a creative and stimulating scientific environment.
• The Thesis project will be supervised by two ICIQ Group Leaders (supervisor and co-supervisor) to ensure that the PhD student benefits from a multidisciplinary project and dual mentorship.
• A complementary training programme in both technical and soft skills is provided. The educational framework is designed to ensure a successful career: scientific seminars, hands-on training in the use of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation, IP management, entrepreneurship, research integrity, knowledge and technology transfer, grant applications, project management, communication skills and career development. ICIQ provides a personalized annual training program for PhD students called SHARP (Severo Ochoa PhD Training Program), which occurs over two weeks and focuses on their specific PhD year.
• Opportunities for short-term placements in distinguished international research institutions.

These fellowships are addressed to highly qualified, motivated and talented graduate students with a keen interest in research in Chemistry or adjacent areas. Candidates should have an excellent academic record, a strong commitment to scientific research and a solid working knowledge of English.

The process of evaluation and selection guarantees the principles of competition, publicity and transparency.

I. Available positions: See Annex

II. Application process

The entire application process will be completed online. Applicants must apply via ICIQ’s Career Portal. Applications sent by email or any other means will be ineligible.

Only one application per person will be considered. In case of multiple applications, only the first application submitted will be taken into consideration.

After completing the online form, applicants must attach the following documents:

• A full Curriculum Vitae (maximum two (2) DIN A4 pages, in PDF format). It should include education, work or research experience, publications, conferences, grants and awards, other relevant merits and contact details for letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement that describes the applicant’s academic background, research experience and career goals (maximum two (2) DIN A4 pages, in PDF format). Candidates must be able to communicate their interests and how these align with ICIQ and the Severo Ochoa Predoctoral Fellowships for Researchers Training. Candidates should also mention the research groups where they would like to carry out their PhD and the reasons why they are interested in a particular research project.
• Official transcripts of BSc and MSc studies in PDF format. A scanned copy of the certified academic record of the studies granting access to the PhD programme (BSc and MSc). Candidates must have completed their Master’s degree by October 2025 to be eligible for the program (please refer to section III. Eligibility Criteria for further information on the eligibility requirements). For academic records not issued in Catalan, Spanish or English, a certified translation in English should be provided; otherwise, they will be ineligible and, therefore, not taken into consideration. For degrees obtained in foreign institutions, the academic record must include the range of marks used in the corresponding countries and the minimum mark to pass, as well as the hours or ECTS and marks for each subject.
• Contact details for letters of recommendation of two University professors, researchers in industry or other relevant individuals who can assess the candidate’s potential for research. ICIQ will contact the people listed as references only if a candidate is shortlisted. We suggest informing your references.
• English proficiency level. Applicants must provide evidence of their proficiency in written and oral communication in the English language, preferably, by the submission of a B2 certificate, Cambridge First Certificate, IELTS 6 or equivalent. This certificate is not mandatory but desirable; alternatively, late-stage candidates will be interviewed to assess their English level. Applicants from the Anglosphere (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) are exempt from this requirement as native speakers.

Applicants should select only one Thesis project.

Once the application has been successfully completed, an acknowledgement e-mail will be automatically sent. Candidates must ensure that all information is included before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The application period opens on June 16 and closes at midnight (Spain time) on July 18, 2025.

III. Eligibility criteria

The fellowships are addressed to graduate students from any nationality who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

1. Candidates must have a Master’s or an equivalent degree in the areas of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related disciplines, completed by October 2025, that allows them to be admitted in a Spanish PhD Programme by the time the fellowship starts (scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026). 
2. Individuals who already hold a PhD degree, whether from a Spanish or foreign university, or those who have previously benefited from a predoctoral training fellowship under the ‘Plan Estatal de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica’ or any of the previous Spanish National Plans by MICIU/AEI are not eligible.

When in doubt regarding the eligibility criteria, applicants should contact ICIQ’s Human Resources Unit at positions@iciq.es before submission of the application.

Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria will be evaluated according to the Evaluation Criteria described in section IV.

IV. Evaluation criteria

According to the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals, the evaluation criteria are the following:

Criteria 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical career path of the candidate (up to 50 points).

Sub-criteria 1. a) Scientific-technical contributions (up to 45 points). The academic record and other curricular merits of the candidate will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be carried out based on training and professional experience.

Sub-criteria 1. b) Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points). Short-term research stays in national and international institutions, universities, and industry will be assessed, considering the prestige of the entity hosting the stay and the activity carried out therein, as well as the impact of the research stays on the research career path of the candidate.

Criteria 2. Suitability of the candidate for the proposed research activities (up to 50 points). The candidate's suitability for the program, project, and planned research activities will be evaluated based on their prior training and experience. In this context, consideration will be given to the added value that undertaking the project would bring to their research career, as well as the value the candidate would contribute to the host institution and research groups.

V. Evaluation and Selection Process

The evaluation and selection of the candidates will be conducted by the ICIQ Severo Ochoa Committee for Predoctoral Training following the guidelines set by the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals, supported by the Human Resources team, and following the procedure below:

• Submitted applications will be checked for eligibility, and those not fulfilling all the criteria will be rejected. It will not be possible to modify the application or to add missing documentation after the call deadline.
• The selection will be based on the evaluation criteria described in Section IV.
• At the late stages of the selection process, short-listed candidates will be contacted for a personal interview.
• All applicants will be informed of the final selection decision by early September 2025.

Successful candidates will be requested to inform ICIQ whether they accept or decline the offer within five business days of being notified. If the applicant does not respond during this time, the offer will be considered declined.

ICIQ follows in its selection processes a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy based on age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

VI. Fellowship Conditions

• The awardees of a ICIQ Severo Ochoa Predoctoral Fellowship for Researchers Training will be considered research personnel in training, and they will have an employment contract (a predoctoral contract), which is regulated in the Spanish Law 14/2011, of June 1^st, of Science, Technology and Education.
• The fellowship conditions are set out in the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals, in the framework of the ‘Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2021-2023’. Articles 10, 11 and 29.
• The fellowship includes the salary, the enrolment fees to a PhD program (up to 4 years) and funding to carry out short stays in other institutions, companies or universities abroad.
• Predoctoral 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:
• The first year of PhD: 19,479.01 €/year
• The second, third and fourth year of PhD: 24,348.77 € /year

The amounts are stated according to the ‘Estatuto del Personal Investigador en Formación (EPIF)’ rules and Article 10.4 of the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals. They will be increased if the EPIF is updated.

The contract will take effect on the date when the awarded student joins the centre. The fellowship holders can become postdoctoral researchers during a postdoctoral training period (POP) if they defend their PhD thesis before the end of the fellowship. The total duration of both periods (doctoral and postdoctoral) cannot exceed 48 months.

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 fellowship holder is entitled to temporarily interrupt the fellowship under the circumstances set forth in Article 21. c) of the Spanish Law 14/2011, of June 1st, of Science, Technology and Education, and in Article 24.5 of the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals (i.e., part-time leave for reasons such as maternity or paternity, reduced working hours due to care of family members). The period of interruption shall not count against the total duration of the fellowship.

The awardees will work full-time at ICIQ and may not receive any other fellowship funding with the same purpose or regular income.

VII. Scientific and technical monitoring of activities for the training of predoctoral researchers.

Predoctoral researchers in training must report to the ‘Agencia Estatal de Investigación’ on the activities carried out and the fulfilment of the training program. They are required to prepare two reports: an interim report at month 20 of the fellowship, and a final report covering the entire duration of the fellowship, including the POP period, if applicable.

Researchers will receive support from the HR Unit and the ICIQ Severo Ochoa Project Manager throughout the entire duration of the fellowship.

VIII. Indicative Calendar

Call opening………………………………………………… 16 June 2025

Call deadline………………………………………………… 18 July 2025

Evaluation and selection process………………………. July/August 2025

Final resolution…………..…………………………………. 29 August 2025

Reference: CEX2024-FPI-2025-1

Supervisor: Prof. J. R. Galán-Mascarós

Co-supervisor: Prof. Katherine Villa Gómez

Title: Magnetically-Enhanced Photocatalysis for Selective Oxidation of Organic Molecules

Reference: CEX2024-FPI-2025-2

Supervisor: Prof. Antonio M. Echavarren

Co-supervisor: Prof. Feliu Maseras

Title: Activation of methane by gold carbenes

Reference: CEX2024-FPI-2025-3

Supervisor: Prof. Mónica H. Pérez-Temprano

Co-supervisor: Prof. Jordi Burés

Title: Unveiling C(sp3)–H Activation Principles in Cp*Co(III) Catalysis for Innovative Synthetic Methodologies

Reference: CEX2024-FPI-2025-4

Supervisor: Prof. Jordi Burés

Co-supervisor: Prof. Ruben Martin

Title: Unravelling the mechanistic intricacies of catalytic chain-walking reactions

Reference: CEX2024-FPI-2025-5

Supervisor: Prof. Antoni Llobet

Co-supervisor: Prof. Beatriz Prieto-Simón

Title: Nanotechnology for Energy Applications

Reference: CEX2024-FPI-2025-6

Supervisor: Prof. Julio Lloret-Fillol

Co-supervisor: Prof. Feliu Maseras

Title: Bio-Inspired Redox Nickel Catalysis for Activation of Strong C–Cl Bonds in Sustainable C(sp2)–C(sp3) and C(sp3-sp3) Coupling

Supervisor: : José Ramón Galan-Mascarós

Co-Supervisor: Katherine Villa

Project Title: Magnetically-Enhanced Photocatalysis for Selective Oxidation of Organic Molecules

Description of the project:

This PhD project explores the development of visible-light-active photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of organic molecules under mild conditions. A key innovation is the use of external magnetic fields to influence charge separation and radical reaction pathways, aiming to enhance efficiency and selectivity. The candidate will design and characterize advanced nanostructured materials and investigate how static and alternating magnetic fields modulate photocatalytic performance. The project combines material science, mechanistic studies, and collaborative work with international partners.

Tasks to be performed by the PhD student:

- Design, synthesis, and structural/optical characterization of novel photocatalysts (e.g. doped semiconductors, heterojunctions).

- Photocatalytic testing under visible light and evaluation of product selectivity using different organic substrates.

- Implementation of magnetic field systems and systematic evaluation of magnetic effects on photocatalysis: kinetics and selectivity.

- In-depth investigation of reaction performance using advanced techniques (e.g. EPR spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence, ROS quantification).

- Interaction with internal and external collaborators, scientific writing, and conference participation.

Preferred skills or background: Materials Science, Chemistry, Nanoscience, Inorganic and analytical chemistry, Magnetism, Solid-state synthesis, Photochemistry, Gas handling.

Supervisor: Antonio M. Echavarren

Co-Supervisor: Feliu Maseras

Project Title: Activation of methane by gold carbenes

Description of the project: Novel superelectrophilic “ship-in-a-bottle” gold(I) complexes with cavitand-type ligands will be synthesized as catalysts for the functionalization of methane and other light alkanes. In addition, novel synthetic routes for the catalytic generation of gold(I) carbenes will be explored. Copper(I), silver(I) and other metal carbenes with related large ligands will be also studied. This research will be carried out both experimentally (Echavarren’s group) and computationally (Maseras’ group).

Tasks to be performed by the PhD student:

Syntesis and characterization of new gold(I) complexes, and other metal complexes, with cavitand-type ligands, development of methodology for the activation of C–H bonds, experimental and computational study of reaction mechanisms.

Preferred skills or background:

Bachelor and Master degrees in Chemistry with a background in Organic Chemistry from a reputable university. A high level of English is required.

Supervisor: Prof. Mónica H. Pérez-Temprano

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Jordi Burés

Project Title: Unveiling C(sp3)–H Activation Principles in Cp*Co(III) Catalysis for Innovative Synthetic Methodologies

Description of the project:

This PhD project will implement a synergistic strategy that combines catalytic innovation with in-depth mechanistic studies to unlock new and efficient site-selective C(sp³)–H functionalization reactions. Elucidation of the fundamental principles that control the activation and functionalization of alkylic C–H by Cp*Co^III will enable to create appealing C–C and C–X bond-forming methodologies, including enantioselective protocols. This project will provide new tools for late-stage diversification and the synthesis of more complex three-dimensional scaffolds, a critical need for key fields such as medicinal chemistry.

Tasks to be performed by the PhD student:

• Development of catalytic processes using first-row transition metals.
• Mechanistic and kinetic studies (including the ability to design complex experiments to gain fundamental insights into the studied reactions).
• Synthesis and characterization of organometallic complexes, organic molecules. and air-sensitive reagents.
• Advanced characterization techniques.
• Application of high-throughput experimentation techniques.
• Writing lab reports and drafting manuscripts for scientific articles.
• Maintenance of the laboratory equipment
• Attending national and international conferences to present the most relevant research results

Preferred skills or background:

We are seeking a motivated candidate with an MSc in synthetic organic and/or organometallic chemistry. Expertise in standard lab techniques and general analytical tools is fundamental. The ideal candidate is expected to be highly motivated, creative, capable of working autonomously, responsible and team player. Excellent communication and management skills, along with reliability in meeting commitments and deadlines are also requested.

Supervisor: Prof. Jordi Burés

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Ruben Martin

Project Title: Unravelling the mechanistic intricacies of catalytic chain-walking reactions

Description of the project:

Catalytic chain-walking reactions offer a versatile approach for transforming unactivated olefins into high-value compounds. These reactions are particularly attractive for their potential in building complex sp³-rich architectures from abundant, low-cost feedstocks. However, the mechanisms governing reactivity and site-selectivity remain poorly understood. This project aims to dissect the underlying mechanisms through rigorous kinetic studies and advanced in situ reaction monitoring techniques, such as in-situ NMR, in-situ IR, and sampling coupled with chromatographic methods. Insights obtained will guide the development of more efficient and selective Ni-catalyzed processes with broad applicability in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

Tasks to be performed by the PhD student:

• Synthesize and characterize relevant organometallic complexes.
• Design and carry out experiments to investigate the mechanism of catalytic chain-walking reactions.
• Employ experimental and analytical techniques to monitor and study reaction processes.
• Analyze data to extract mechanistic and kinetic insights.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of catalytic methodologies.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners.
• Disseminate research findings through reports, publications, and scientific meetings.

Preferred skills or background:

• MSc in Chemistry or related discipline.
• Strong background in synthetic organic or organometallic chemistry.
• Interest or experience in kinetic studies and reaction mechanism elucidation.
• Familiarity with analytical and spectroscopic techniques (e.g., NMR, IR, HPLC).
• Good level of English and strong communication skills.
• Motivation for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

Supervisor: Antoni Llobet

Co-Supervisor: Beatriz Prieto-Simón

Project Title: Nanotechnology for Energy Applications

Description of the project:

The main objective of the project is the generation of new hybrid molecular materials for the production of solar fuels. The global shift toward sustainable energy systems demands efficient conversion and storage technologies. This project aims to develop renewable energy vectors derived from CO₂ reduction such as methanol and/or ethanol (CH₃OH)—through electrocatalytic processes powered by molecular redox catalysts and engineered nanomaterials. The study will explore structure-activity relationships, stability, and potential for scalability.

Specifically, the project aims to:

- Design and synthesize molecular redox catalysts for CO₂ reduction electrocatalytic reactions, such as those based on poly-aza ligands.

- Develop nanostructured supports to enhance electron transfer and surface area. Porous electrodes based on porous silicon (pSi) and porous anodic aluminium oxide (pAAO) will be evaluated upon modification introducing thin carbon or gold coatings to enhance their chemical stability and conductivity.

- Generate new hybrid molecular materials by incorporating the synthesized molecular redox catalysts to the developed nanostructured supports.

- Optimize electrocatalytic processes for renewable energy vectors production: such as MeOH, EtOH, etc.

The project is fully aligned with ICIQ’s strategic line on Renewable Energy Vectors. It explores the hybrid materials-molecules approach to convert solar energy into chemical energy through selective CO₂ reduction.

Tasks to be performed by the PhD student:

- Read and review relevant literature;

- Design, fabricate, surface engineer and characterize porous structures, with tunable dimensions, shapes and surface chemistry;

- Asses the electrochemical performance of the developed porous structures;

- Prepare and characterize molecular redox catalysts to be anchored on materials;

- Design and apply a range of strategies to chemically functionalize the porous structures to facilitate the incorporation of the synthesized molecular redox catalysts;

- Write reports, publications and thesis;

- Attend group meetings and meetings with collaborators to discuss the progress of the project;

- Attend conferences workshops, etc, to present project results and seek new collaborations.

Preferred skills or background:

- Knowledge and, ideally, some research experience in: materials (synthesis and characterization), molecular chemsitry (synthesis of organic ligands and compexes), electrochemistry and surface analysis.

- Demonstrated experience working as part of a small team and promoting a collaborative environment.

- The candidate has to be highly motivated and used to work collaboratively.

Supervisor: Julio Lloret Fillol

Co-Supervisor: Feliu Maseras

Project Title: Bio-Inspired Redox Nickel Catalysis for Activation of Strong C–Cl Bonds in Sustainable C(sp2)–C(sp3) and C(sp3-sp3) Coupling

Description of the project:

Transforming abundant feedstocks selectively is a complex task but essential for achieving more sustainable chemistry. This can be addressed using new advances in experimental and computational tools. In this line, this project will develop a redox-powered catalytic methods (photo or electro) to convert inert chemical bonds into value-added products, using high throughput experimental techniques (HTE), digitalization, mechanistic studies, computational modelling and machine learning. We target the activation of strong carbon–chlorine bonds in unreactive alkyl chlorides using a bio-inspired B12 and F403 catalyst. This approach directly supports the strategic goal of using molecular catalysts to drive renewable-energy conversion of basic feedstocks into fuels and chemicals, to ubiquitous but inert molecules such as chlorinated alkanes. The envisioned outcome is a catalytic platform that mimics nature’s strategies (e.g. enzymatic radical generation) to unlock inert bonds, contributing to sustainable chemical synthesis.

In particular, alkyl chlorides are inexpensive and widely available, yet their strong C–Cl bonds make them inert in conventional catalysis. Unlike alkyl bromides or iodides, unactivated alkyl chlorides resist single-electron transfer (SET) activation due to very negative reduction potentials. Traditional solutions are wasteful and unsustainable, whereas photoredox catalysis has emerged as a promising mild alternative. Dual photoredox/metal systems have enabled certain C(sp3)–C(sp2) couplings via radical intermediates, but general methods to directly employ unactivated alkyl chlorides in C–C bond formation remain elusive.

Our bio-Inspired Strategy: Nature offers inspiration for cleaving strong bonds: the enzyme methyl-coenzyme M reductase uses a Ni(I) cofactor to break a tough C–S bond. Analogously, a low-valent M(I) complex can act as a “super-nucleophile” to abstract halogens from alkyl chlorides, generating carbon radicals that couple in C–C bond formation. In these lines, we have recently harnessed this concept in a photoredox nickel system that forges C–C bonds between inert chloroalkanes and olefines and cyanoarenes under visible light.

Our previous research, shows that a photosensitizer can provide enough reducing power to generate M(I) aminopyridine intermediate that cleaves the C–Cl, and even C-F bonds. DFT calculations indicate two possible pathways for C–Cl bond cleavage – concerted halogen atom abstraction vs. SN2 oxidative addition. The relative barrier energy between these two paths is ligand dependent (Organometallics 2021, 40, 1997, JACS 2024, 146, 21977 ACIE 2002 e202114365 & 2024, e202405580). Therefore, we hypothesize that it could be modulated, to favour the SN2 oxidative addition mechanism, which generates an alkyl-M organometallic species. Then, the ligand environment around the metal centre can control the reactivity and selectivity of the C-C bond formation, even to induce enantioselectivity if a chiral ligand is used.

Tasks to be performed by the PhD student:

This project intends to develop advanced catalytic systems by utilizing high-throughput screening, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence to catalyze reactions with significant scientific and industrial impact.

Mechanistic studies with be carried out with the help of advanced spectroscopy, crystallography, microscopy, and reactivity studies with the aim to develop new methodologies to activates inert bonds, and what factors govern whether C–Cl and C-F cleavage proceeds via a radical abstraction or an SN2 pathway? How do transient M(III)-alkyl species and radical intermediates combine to form the C–C bond?

We will also answere the following questions. Could be develop electrochemical versions of the reaction? Could possible to induce enantioselectivity? Could be possible to use strong bonds or integrated with renewable feedstocks to produce other chemicals in a green manner? Could be possible to target pharmaceuticals or biological active molecules?

Preferred skills or background:

The candidate must have a degree in chemistry, and be highly motivated, responsible and creative. In addition, knowledge on organic, inorganic and computational chemistry will be evaluated.

Good written and oral communication skills in English are required.

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), in the framework of the ICIQ Severo Ochoa Excellence Program 2025-2029, establishes the ICIQ Severo Ochoa International Mobility Program with the aim to support excellent early-stage researchers to carry out a short-term research stay from three to four months in an international institution abroad. These grants aim to allow young ICIQ researchers to experience a different research environment and complement their research training.

ICIQ offers up to 10 ICIQ Severo Ochoa International Mobility (SOIM) Grants for PhD students in their 3rd or 4th year of doctoral studies. Candidates may freely propose a research project to be carried out at an international host institution of their choice. Only R&D institutions different from those in which candidates completed their graduate studies are eligible.

The application must clearly state why the applicant has chosen the specific research institution and how the stay creates research synergies between the ICIQ and the host institution. In any case, it will be essential to have written approval from the ICIQ supervisor(s) to proceed with the planned stay.

The process of evaluation and selection guarantees the principles of competition, publicity and transparency.

I. Eligibility criteria

The program is open to ICIQ researchers that fulfil the following eligibility criteria at the time of the deadline (25 July 2025):

a. PhD students in their third or four year of predoctoral contract. Only students who have a predoctoral labour contract exclusively with ICIQ are eligible for these grants.

b. The predoctoral contract must be in force throughout the entire duration of the research stay.

c. The host institution must be different from the University/R&D Centre where the candidates completed their graduate studies.

d. The successful candidates should have a convincing and well-planned research proposal for the short-term stay that has been agreed with an academic supervisor at the prospective host institution. A declaration of interest letter from the supervisor at the host institution will be asked to the fellows before the start date of the grant.

e. Applicants should state whether applications have been submitted to other funding bodies for the same purpose and whether any other grants have been received towards the same visit.

Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria will be evaluated according to the Evaluation Criteria described in section V.

II. Incompatibilities

1. At the time of submitting the application, candidates cannot have benefited from any other grant for short-term stays during their predoctoral training.

2. SOIM Grants may not be used to complement, or as an extension to, another short-term grant.

3. Candidates cannot benefit at the same time from a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action, FPI Fellowship or FPU Fellowship (Predoctoral Fellowships funded by the MICIU/AEI), or INPhINIT Fellowship (“la Caixa” Foundation).

When in doubt regarding the eligibility criteria or possible incompatibilities, applicants should contact ICIQ’s Severo Ochoa project manager at ssayalero@iciq.es before submission of the application.

III. Benefits of the Grant

1. From three to four months of secondment support. The length of the grant will depend on the proposed research project and the candidate's work plan.
2. Monthly allowance that will be calculated according to the regulations set out for short-term research stays in the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals, in the framework of the ‘Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2021-2023’ of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades / Agencia Estatal de Investigación (MCIU/AEI). Articles 9.3.e) and 10.5.a).
3. A round-trip airfare from ICIQ to the host institution and travel expenses, in accordance with ICIQ and MICIU/AEI regulations.
4. Visa fees and accident insurance and health insurance, when the stay is in countries where the European Health Card is not valid nor the Provisional Substitute Certificate for the European Health Card.

IV. Application process

The application period opens on June 16 and closes at midnight (Spain time) on July 25, 2025.

Only one application per person will be considered. In case of multiple applications, only the first application submitted will be taken into consideration. Candidates must ensure that all information is included before the deadline. There will not be the possibility to modify the application or to add missing documentation after the call deadline.

The entire application process will be completed online. Applicants must apply via ICIQ’s Career Portal. Applications sent by email or any other means will be ineligible.

After completing the online form, applicants must attach the following documents:

1. A motivation letter that must clearly state why the applicant has chosen the host research institution and how the short-term stay will impact the candidate’s professional career and create research synergies between the ICIQ and the host institution.
2. Curriculum Vitae (4 pages maximum). The CV must include education and career information, list of publications and patents, information on previous research stays and mention of the most relevant achievements sorted by the typology that best suits the candidate’s scientific profile (fellowships and awards, participation in scientific conferences and congresses, participation in R&D projects, training activities, outreach activities, etc.).
3. Description of the planned research work which has been agreed upon with the supervisor at the host institution. The research proposal must follow the template available on the application portal.

Once the application has been successfully completed, an acknowledgement e-mail will be automatically sent. Candidates must ensure that all information is included before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

V. Evaluation and Selection Process

The evaluation and selection of the candidates will be conducted by the Severo Ochoa Committee for Predoctoral Training following the guidelines set by the 2024 ‘Centros de Excelencia «Severo Ochoa» y Unidades «María de Maeztu»’ call for proposals, supported by the Human Resources team, and following the procedure below:

1. All the applications will be checked for eligibility and those not fulfilling all the criteria will be rejected. Incomplete and/or ineligible applications will be also discarded at this stage.
2. The evaluation and selection process carried out under this call will observe the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), signed in San Francisco, California, on December 16, 2012 (https://sfdora.org/read).
3. Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. All applications will be evaluated on the basis of the candidate’s excellence, the stage of development of PhD Thesis and the quality of the research proposal.
4. The name of the awardees will be published on the ICIQ’s website.
5. All applicants will be informed of the final selection decision by early September 2025.

In the event that an awardee obtains a short-term fellowship through another competitive call for applications, this must be communicated to the Severo Ochoa project manager (ssayalero@iciq.es) as soon as possible. The SOIM Fellowship will then be allocated to the candidate at the top of the reserve list.

ICIQ follows in its selection processes a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy based on age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.