Summary
The Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases group at ETH Zürich is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to investigate how freezing influences carbonate mineral formation and carbon dioxide exchange under cryogenic conditions (simulating glaciers, sea ice, permafrost, and ice-rich planetary systems). This role involves combining experimental geochemistry, aqueous analysis, and mineral characterization to help establish a new low-temperature experimental geochemistry platform.
PhD Position in Cryogenic Carbonate Mineralization and Carbon Dioxide Fluxes, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Position Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | PhD Candidate |
| Employment Type | 100%, Fixed-term (48 months / 4 years) |
| Expected Start Date | January 4, 2027 |
| Institution | ETH Zürich (Geological Institute) |
| Research Group | Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases |
Research Area
- Experimental Geochemistry
- Low-Temperature Geochemistry & Water-Rock Interactions
- Cryosphere Science & Carbonate Chemistry
- Planetary Surface Processes
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Degree: Master’s degree (MSc) in geochemistry, Earth sciences, environmental chemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Core Competencies:
- Strong interest or background in low-temperature geochemistry, water-rock interactions, mineral formation, carbonate/aqueous redox chemistry, or cryosphere science.
- Hands-on laboratory skills and motivation for experimental troubleshooting.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative data handling skills.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Preferred (Optional): Experience with reactive-transport or geochemical modeling is a plus.
Job Description
- Lead & Execute: Run controlled cryogenic laboratory experiments using customized freezing and thawing reactor systems.
- Analyze: Measure and interpret liquid/gas geochemical data using analytical instrumentation (e.g., Gas Analyzers, HPIC, ICP-OES, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Potentiometric Titration).
- Characterize: Recover and characterize carbonate minerals formed during freezing using mineralogical and microscopic techniques.
- Model: Develop and parameterize a predictive kinetic framework using time-resolved geochemical measurements.
- Synthesize & Disseminate: Publish research findings in scientific journals and present results at international conferences.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online exclusively through the ETH Zürich Job Portal. (Applications sent via email or post will not be considered).
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter: Describing motivation and research interests (max. 2 pages).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): (max. 2 pages).
- Academic Transcripts: Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts.
- Master’s Diploma: Digital copy.
- References: Contact details for two academic references (no reference letters required at this stage).
For questions regarding the position, you may contact Prof. Nicole Fernandez-Franzan (
nicole.fernandez@eaps.ethz.ch). Note: Do not send application documents to this email.
Last Date to Apply
August 31, 2026
