Overview
The Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases group at ETH Zürich is actively recruiting a highly motivated and creative PhD candidate with a strong interest in low-temperature experimental geochemistry. This fully funded 4-year position sits at the intersection of experimental geochemistry, cryosphere science, and planetary surface processes.
Position Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | PhD Candidate / Position |
| Employment Type | 100%, Fixed-term (48 months) |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Expected Start Date | January 4, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
Research Area
The project focuses on how freezing influences carbonate mineral formation and carbon dioxide exchange under conditions simulating cryogenic environments (such as glaciers, sea ice, permafrost, and ice-rich planetary systems). The research combines controlled freezing experiments, aqueous geochemistry, gas monitoring, and mineral characterization to understand carbon cycling in cold environments.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: An MSc degree in geochemistry, Earth sciences, environmental chemistry, chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Interests: A strong interest or background in low-temperature geochemistry, water-rock interactions, mineral formation, carbonate and aqueous redox chemistry, or cryosphere science.
- Skills: Strong hands-on laboratory motivation, experimental troubleshooting skills, and excellent analytical/problem-solving capabilities with quantitative chemical data.
- Traits: Creativity, resilience, independence, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Language: Excellent spoken and written English.
- Note: Experience with reactive-transport/geochemical modeling is beneficial but not required.
Job Description
- Lead and execute controlled cryogenic laboratory experiments using customized freezing/thawing reactor systems.
- Measure and interpret liquid and gas geochemical data using analytical instrumentation (e.g., Gas analyzers, HPIC, ICP-OES, UVVis-Spectroscopy, Potentiometric Titration).
- Recover and characterize carbonate minerals formed during freezing using mineralogical and microscopic techniques.
- Develop and parameterize a predictive kinetic framework using time-resolved geochemical measurements.
- Synthesize experimental datasets, write scientific manuscripts, and present research at international conferences.
- Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator, a postdoctoral researcher, and other group members.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zürich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter describing your motivation and research interests (max. 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max. 2 pages)
- Transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- Master’s Diploma (digital copy)
- Contact details for two academic references (no formal reference letters are needed at this stage)
Last Date to Apply
- August 31, 2026
