Top Global Fully Funded PhD & Postdoc Scholarships in Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science & Water Research
Are you looking to advance your research career in 2026? Leading universities across Ireland, UAE, USA, France, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands are currently inviting applications for fully funded PhD positions and Postdoctoral fellowships.
These opportunities span critical fields such as Green Chemistry, Water Treatment, Carbon Neutrality, Supramolecular Chemistry and Biointelligent Food Production. Below is a comprehensive guide to the latest research vacancies, eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
Fully funded PhD scholarships represent one of the most prestigious and valuable academic opportunities available to graduate students worldwide. These programs allow talented students to pursue advanced research without financial burden. Unlike self-funded PhD programs, fully funded doctoral programs cover:
• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Research expenses
• Travel grants
• Health insurance (sometimes)
Many top universities across Ireland, UAE, USA, Sweden, Germany, France and Netherlands are currently offering fully funded PhD positions for 2026.
These positions are open to students from Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Water Science, Organic Chemistry and related fields.
Why Fully Funded PhD Programs Are Important
Fully funded doctoral programs provide numerous advantages:
Financial Security
Students receive stipends ranging from:
• €25,000 per year (Ireland)
• €3,000–€3,800 per month (Netherlands)
• €2,400–€2,700 per month (France)
• TV-L E13 salary scale (Germany)
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work in:
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Materials research companies
• Environmental agencies
• Government laboratories
• Universities
• Technology companies
Global Career Mobility
A PhD from international universities increases opportunities worldwide.
1. Maynooth University, Ireland: PhDs in Membrane Modelling
Department: Chemistry
Focus: Multiscale modelling of polymer-hybrid anion-exchange membranes for electrochemical energy.
Available Positions
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Position 1: Molecular-Scale Modelling (DFT, Molecular Dynamics, Monte Carlo).
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Position 2: Coarse-Grained & Mesoscale Modelling (Morphology and phase behavior).
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Position 3: Computational–Experimental Integration (Fabrication and validation).
Scholarship Value
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Stipend: €25,000 per annum (4 years).
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Support: Full tuition fees + travel/research costs.
Deadline: 20 March 2026
Contact Details
Supervisor Email: sousa.javannikkhah@mu.ie
Application Email: sousa.javannikkhah@mu.ie
Official Application PDF:
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/sites/default/files/assets/document/Sousa%20Javannikkhah%20Dept%20of%20Chemistry%203%20positions_SJN_FL.pdf
Address: Maynooth University, Mariavilla, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
2. United Arab Emirates University (UAEU): Water & Membrane Tech
Focus: Desalination, PFAS removal, and 2D materials for separation.
Research Areas
• Desalination technologies
• Wastewater treatment
• Microplastics removal
• Nanomaterials
• Membrane technology
Requirements
• IELTS or TOEFL
• Published research paper
• Engineering background
Requirements
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MSc in Chemical, Petroleum or Environmental Engineering.
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Valid IELTS/TOEFL and at least one published research article.
Deadline: 30 March 2026
Application Link: UAEU PhD Questionnaire
Address: Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed St – Asharej – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.
3. University of Arkansas, USA: Water Quality & Biogeochemistry
The Speir Lab is seeking 2 PhD students for summer 2026.
Research Topics
• Water quality
• Aquatic biogeochemistry
• Watershed science
Requirements
• US citizen
• Master’s degree
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Topics: Aquatic biogeochemistry, watershed science, and biochar impacts.
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Mandatory: Must be a U.S. Citizen (grant requirement).
Contact: Dr. Shannon Speir (slspeir@uark.edu)
Address: Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States.
4. CARMeN Institut, France: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Duration: 18 months starting June 2026.
Project: Synthesis of carbohydrate and nucleoside analogs (Fluorine chemistry).
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Salary: €2,477–€2,697 gross/month.
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Required: PhD in Organic Chemistry; fluency in English and French.
Location: Caen, France.
5. Stockholm University, Sweden: Organic Chemistry & MOFs
Focus: Heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable organic synthesis (WISE Program).
Vacancies
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PhD Position (4 Years): Sustainable organic chemistry. Apply Here (Deadline: 20/01/2026).
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Postdoc Position (2-3 Years): Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). Apply Here (Deadline: 11/01/2026).
Contact Details
Supervisor Email: miguel.crespo@su.se
Department Head Email: niklas.hedin@su.se
Research Area
• Metal Organic Frameworks
• Catalysis
• Sustainable chemistry
Address: Universitetsvägen 10, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden.
6. Ruhr University Bochum, Germany: Supramolecular Catalysis
Focus: Halogen and chalcogen bonding in organocatalysis.
Research Area
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Organocatalysis
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Offer: 3-year contract, TV-L E13 salary (2/3 position).
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Profile: Strong background in multi-step organic synthesis.
Deadline: 2 March 2026
Application Link: RUB Job Portal
Address: Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany.
7. Utrecht University, Netherlands: Microplastics Research
Focus: Quantifying indoor and occupational microplastic exposure.
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Salary: €3,059 to €3,881 monthly.
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Techniques: TED-GC/MS, SEM-EDX, µ-FTIR.
Deadline: 28 February 2026
Application Link: UU PhD Portal
Contact: dr. Luke Parker (luke.parker@tno.nl)
Email: r.c.h.vermeulen@uu.nl
8. University of Hohenheim, Germany: Biointelligent Food Sensing
Focus: Developing sensing hardware for green-tech food production.
Research Area
• Biointelligent sensing
• Food production technology
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Requirements: MSc in Engineering/Material Science; German & English skills.
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Remuneration: E13 TVL-L pay grade.
Deadline: 15 March 2026
Address: Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
9. Fully Funded PhD Position in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry: UCT Prague
The University of Chemistry and Technology (UCT) Prague is officially inviting applications for a prestigious PhD position within the research group of Dr. Pavla Perlíková. This role is situated at the Department of Organic Chemistry and offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to contribute to high-impact medicinal chemistry focused on oncology.
Research Focus: Antimetastatic Compounds & Migrastatics
The core objective of this doctoral project is the development of migrastatics, a novel and promising class of anticancer agents. Unlike traditional therapies, migrastatics are specifically aimed at suppressing the metastatic behavior of tumor cells, which remains a primary challenge in cancer treatment.
The project employs a rational design approach to develop new inhibitors of actin polymerization. Specifically, researchers will target key regulatory proteins involved in cell migration, such as Mena and the Arp2/3 complex. Key research tasks include:
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Synthesis of hit compounds previously identified through virtual screening processes.
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Structural optimization of these compounds to enhance efficacy.
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Investigation of structure–activity relationships (SAR) to refine molecular designs.
Funding and Employment Benefits
This position is fully supported by the Czech Science Foundation, ensuring financial stability for the duration of the research. Successful candidates will receive:
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An employment contract combined with a PhD scholarship.
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The opportunity to work in a small, friendly, and highly collaborative team environment.
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Access to an “attractive project” at the forefront of medicinal chemistry.
Eligibility and Candidate Requirements
To be considered for this competitive candidacy, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Education: An MSc degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
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Technical Skills: Proven experience in organic synthesis is essential.
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Language: A very good command of the English language (both written and oral).
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Soft Skills: High motivation and the ability to work independently are highly valued.
Timeline and Application Process
The selection process is currently active, and applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Interviews: Scheduled for January through March 2026.
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Expected Start Date: September 2026.
Required Documents
Interested candidates must prepare the following:
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A Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page).
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An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
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Contact details for two academic referees.
Contact and Application Submission
All application materials should be sent directly via email to:
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Contact Person: Dr. Pavla Perlíková
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Email: pavla.perlikova@vscht.cz
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Department: Department of Organic Chemistry, UCT Prague
Important Links
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UCT Prague Official Website: vscht.cz
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Group Website: Accessible via the QR code in the official flyer.
How to Build a Strong Application
To stand out for these highly competitive global scholarships, ensure your application package includes:
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Tailored Motivation Letter: Align your specific skills with the project goals.
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Updated CV: Highlight publications, technical proficiencies (e.g., Python, NMR, DFT), and laboratory experience.
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Research Proposal: For German and Irish positions, a clear 1-page proposal is often required.
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Transcripts: Ensure all documents are translated into English where necessary.
Note on Font Size: This document is optimized for digital readability. For physical submissions, a 12pt font (Times New Roman or Arial) is standard for academic CVs and proposals.
Salary and Funding Comparison
| Country | Monthly Salary | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | €2,083 | 4 years |
| Netherlands | €3,059–€3,881 | 4 years |
| France | €2,477–€2,697 | 18 months |
| Germany | TV-L E13 scale | 3–4 years |
| Sweden | Fully funded | 4 years |
Table of Deadlines
| Institution | Country | Position | Deadline |
| Stockholm University | Sweden | Postdoc | 11 Jan 2026 |
| Stockholm University | Sweden | PhD | 20 Jan 2026 |
| Utrecht University | Netherlands | PhD | 28 Feb 2026 |
| Ruhr University Bochum | Germany | PhD | 2 Mar 2026 |
| University of Hohenheim | Germany | PhD | 15 Mar 2026 |
| Maynooth University | Ireland | PhD | 20 Mar 2026 |
| UAE University | UAE | PhD | 30 Mar 2026 |
Career Opportunities After PhD
PhD graduates can work in:
• Pharmaceutical companies
• NASA
• Government labs
• Universities
Average salary after PhD:
₹25 lakh to ₹80 lakh per year internationally
Tips to Increase Selection Chances
• Publish research paper
• Contact supervisor early
• Write strong research proposal
