Project Researcher

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Project Researcher to work at the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory. This position will be funded by a collaboration contract with an international pharmaceutical company.

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 master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (full details on ).

ICIQ is looking for a Project Researcher with experience in synthetic organic chemistry to work at the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory. The researcher will work on the process development and the elaboration of new synthetic strategies of pharmaceutical candidates.

Responsibilities

• Design and execution of synthetic routes to provide target molecules
• Purification, analysis and characterization of novel chemical compounds
• Writing reports and delivering result presentations in group meetings
• Complete documentation of results
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or equivalent
• Significant experience in multistep organic synthesis
• Use of analytical techniques for characterization of chemical compounds (GC, HPLC, NMR, MS, IR, DSC, TGA, X-Ray, etc.)
• Good knowledge of English (written and spoken)
• Strong commitment for scientific excellence
• Motivated, creative, and problem-solving individual capable of working independently as well as in a team

Valued qualities

• Experience in process chemistry
• Experience in crystallization of small molecules
• Experience in asymmetric catalysis
• Good communication skills

We offer

• A full-time employment contract for the length of the project (expected end date December 31st, 2026) with possibility of extension.
• Remuneration according to individual's qualifications/experience.
• Annual salary split in twelve monthly payments.
• Incorporation: Immediate.

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.

ICIQ is 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 Selection Committee for this process is composed of:

• Dr. Sébastien Lethu, Manager of the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory
• Dr. Jordi Cerón, Manager of the Crysforma unit
• Dr. Ana Arroyo, Project Researcher at the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory
• A member of the Human Resources Unit

The evaluation committee will perform the assessment ensuring the absence of conflict of interest with any of the candidates, and will sign a Declaration of Absence of Conflict of Interest (DACI) to that end. In case a conflict of interest arises, the evaluator will be substituted by a different evaluator with similar expertise.

The interview will last approximately one hour. During the first 20 minutes, you will be asked to give a short presentation about your background as a researcher (5 min) and the main focus of your research (15 min).

Please note that the interview will be conducted in English.

For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research )