Junior Group Leader

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) seeks talented and innovative early-career scientists with a multidisciplinary background and extensive international experience at the interface of organic chemistry and chemical biology. We seek researchers dedicated to conducting high-quality, independent research in the specified areas who can contribute new perspectives that expand and complement ICIQ's core strengths.

Within the Advanced Tenure-Track Program (ATTP), this position will be co-financed with the support of the "Severo Ochoa" Centres of Excellence Programme CEX S funded by MICIU/AEI/ /

ICIQ is one of the world's leading institutes in chemical research. It offers facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and most importantly, excellent scientists and professionals to ensure you have a rewarding career. The institute is dedicated to conducting outstanding research at the forefront of knowledge in the broad field of chemistry (including Catalysis, Artificial Photosynthesis, Activation of Small Molecules, Photovoltaics, Functional Molecular Assemblies, and Chemical Biology, from both theoretical and experimental perspectives). The institute aims to train the next generation of scientists by providing high-quality educational programmes for master's, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers (full details at ).

Our mission is to lead, from the perspective of molecular science, in developing cross-strategies for addressing significant social and economic challenges such as climate change and the sustainable supply of energy and raw materials. This aims to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the quality of life for citizens in our area of influence.

The ICIQ is a founding member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST, ), and is part of CERCA Catalonia ) research centres of excellence.

ICIQ is situated in Tarragona within a practical building covering m². The site is fitted with all the latest safety equipment and was constructed following the same sustainability principles underpinning the research.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate's research should address the conjugation of biological polymers with synthetic organic scaffolds to:

• Modulate secondary structure properties.
• Develop biomarker sensor and drug discovery systems for applications in human health.

This position aligns with ICIQ's strategic pillar in molecular medicine, outlined in the Severo Ochoa Strategic Plan for It provides an exciting opportunity to conduct frontier research in a world-class scientific environment.

Candidate's Profile:
We seek talented and innovative young scientists who are firmly committed to high-quality, frontier research and can contribute new insights to the existing ICIQ core expertise. Only researchers at R3 level or equivalent, candidates with a highly internationally competitive research profile, a record of outstanding scientific achievements, demonstrated ability to secure competitive research funding, and high-impact publications in top-tier journals, ideally as the corresponding author, will be considered.

Applicants must hold an independent research fellowship awarded during their postdoctoral training, which partially covers salary expenses and the implementation of the research plan, such as "la Caixa" Junior Leader or "Ramón y Cajal" fellowships, to demonstrate their ability to attract funding.

Experience managing European or international research projects, independently or as a partner, will be highly valued.

Application documents:
Applicants are requested to submit:

• A letter of interest (up to 3 pages).
• A full curriculum vitae.
• A description of previous accomplishments.
• A research plan (up to 5 pages).
• The contact information for at least three references.

The deadline to receive applications is December, 2nd at 23:59 hours.

The evaluation committee includes the following members of the ICIQ Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and internal Group Leaders: Prof. Jeremy Harvey, Dr. Josep Pallarès, Prof. Antonio M. Echavarren, and Prof. Beatriz Prieto. This committee will invite a shortlisted candidates to an interview at ICIQ.

Candidates should prepare a brief and a presentation that should last 15 minutes, with a maximum of 45 minutes for questions by the evaluation committee.

The evaluation committee will conduct the assessment, ensuring there is no conflict of interest with any candidate. To confirm this, the committee will sign a Declaration of Absence of Conflict of Interest (DACI). If a conflict of interest occurs, the evaluator will be replaced by a different evaluator with similar expertise.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

The evaluation and selection process conducted under this call will adhere to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) principles, signed in San Francisco, California, on 16 December

Conditions:

• A full-time employment contract. The initial term is three years, with renewal for an additional two-year period, subject to the ICIQ Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) assessment. If the evaluation is negative, the contract may not be renewed for the final two-year period being terminated immediately.
• Annual salary paid in twelve monthly instalments.
• Competitive salary according to our policy (category PIGL1 - PIGL3).
• A start-up package to cover lab expenses.
• Budget for two positions: a Postdoctoral Researcher (3 years) and a PhD Student (4 years).
• Full access to the ICIQ facilities (state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities, solvents and gases and management and administrative support).
• Incorporation: By the beginning of 2026.