Scientific Entrepreneur (Ref: KTT 2026-01)

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Scientific Entrepreneur to work with the Business Development unit and the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory. This position will be funded by “MINISTERIO DE CIENCIA, INNOVACIÓN Y UNIVERSIDADES” through project “(ref. PDC2925-164909-I00), within the “PROYECTOS PRUEBA DE CONCEPTO 2025” call.

ICIQ is committed to performing excellent research at the frontier of knowledge in the broad area of chemistry (Catalysis, Artificial Photosynthesis, Activation of Small Molecules, Photovoltaics, Functional Molecular Assemblies and Chemical Biology, from either theoretical or experimental perspectives). The institute also aims at training the future generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational programmes to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (Full details on http://www.iciq.org/).

Our mission is to lead, from the vantage point of molecular science, cross-strategies for solving major social and economic challenges, such as climate change and sustainable supply of energetic and raw materials, thereby contributing to the establishment of a knowledge-based economy and improving citizens’ quality of life in our influence area.

ICIQ is looking for a Scientific Entrepreneur that merges a technical background in electrochemistry, hydrogen, engineering and catalysis by one side, and business development, strategy and marketing in the other one. The scientific entrepreneur will work at the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory and work in close collaboration with the Business Development manager. The researcher will work on the elaboration of the strategic plan and business model to explore several technology transfer strategies for ICIQ technologies related to the obtention of methanol and hydrogen peroxide through electrochemical processes.

Responsibilities

• Elaboration of business plan and marketing and/or investment strategy

• Engagement with industry and investors

• Fund raising

• Elaboration of one pager, pitch deck and investor plan

• Elaboration of reports and oral communications

Requirements

• Bachelor in STEM Careers (Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, etc…)

• Significant experience in Business Development, Marketing, Communication or Finances

• Good knowledge of English (written and spoken)

• Motivated, creative, and problem-solving individual capable of working independently as well as in a team

Valued qualities

• Master in Business Administration (MBA) or related

• Knowledge about Industrial Property system

• Previous experience as entrepreneur in a deep tech start up

• Previous experience in Business Management

• Previous experience with CRM marketing tools

We offer

• A full-time contract linked to the project PDC2025-164909- I00.

• Incorporation: May 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 PTTAGE1-PTTAGE3 band (32.640 – 37.080 EUR), based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• Flexible 37.5 hours working week

• Option to work remotely one day a 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.

RESERVATION OF PLACES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 33%

This place is reserved for candidates who meet the requirements and have the legal status of people with disabilities with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.

In the event that there are no applicants with disabilities who meet the requirements, the rest of the applications without declared disability will be evaluated.

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.

The Selection Committee for this process is composed of:

• Sergio Sopeña de Frutos; Business Development Manager; KTT Department

• Felipe Garcés; Ramón y Cajal Fellow; JR Galan Research Group

• Vanesa Lillo; Scientific Coordinator; JR Galan Research Group

A Human Resources Unit representative will participate in the interviews to ensure procedural correctness and compliance with OTM R principles, without forming part of the Selection Committee.

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.

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.

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