PhD Student in Biogeochemistry: The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is offering a fully-funded PhD position in Rhizosphere Biogeochemistry of Coastal Wetlands. This position, based at Lausanne Mouline (Géopolis building), focuses on studying salt marsh ecosystems and their vulnerability to sea level rise. The successful candidate will work on a Simons Foundation-funded research consortium project exploring the hydro-biogeochemical functioning of coastal marsh ecosystems.
PhD Student in Rhizosphere Biogeochemistry of Coastal Wetlands (Requisition ID 21315)
Designation: PhD Student
Research Area: Rhizosphere Biogeochemistry of Coastal Wetlands, with a focus on salt marsh ecosystems.
Location: Lausanne Mouline (Géopolis building), Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master’s degree in biogeochemistry, environmental microbiology, plant and soil sciences, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of biogeochemical processes, with an interest in hydrology, microbial ecology, and plant physiology.
- Prior experience in basic geochemical or microbial lab procedures and analyses, as well as data analysis.
- Familiarity with plant biology, spectro/microscopic, and -omics tools is advantageous.
- Commitment to researching soil biogeochemical processes regulating carbon fate in coastal marsh systems.
- Excellent written and oral English skills; working knowledge of French is preferable but not necessary.
Job Description: The PhD student will:
- Conduct research on rhizophere biogeochemistry in salt marsh soils threatened by sea level rise.
- Investigate how oscillatory drivers (tidal oscillations and diel cycles) influence carbon processing and storage in the rhizosphere.
- Perform growth chamber- and field-based experiments, utilizing cutting-edge chemical and biological analyses.
- Collaborate with international experts in hydrology, plant science, ecology, and microbiology.
- Contribute to teaching activities and potentially supervise master students.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a Word or PDF document including:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of university degrees certificates and transcripts of marks/grades awarded
- An electronic version of a research output (MSc diploma thesis, research reports, proceedings paper, or other scientific publication)
- Contact information for two academic references
Applications must be submitted through the UNIL website by the deadline of 14.02.2024.
Last Date for Apply: 14 February 2024
For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Marco Keiluweit at marco.keiluweit@unil.ch.
