Summary
The Experimental Planetology Group at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zürich is offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD position. The project focuses on the geochemistry of Archean komatiites and their role in modulating the surface and atmosphere of the early Earth. This research is part of the interdisciplinary National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Genesis project, which aims to explore the emergence of life in the universe.
PhD Position in Early Earth Geochemistry and Habitability, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Designation
PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher (100% Fixed-term)
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institute | ETH Zürich (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences) |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Funding/Salary | Starts at 53,500 CHF per annum |
| Start Date | Q4 2026 or Q1 2027 |
| Application Deadline | August 21, 2026 |
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Research Area
Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geochemistry, Planetary Atmospheres, Chemical Thermodynamics, Mineralogy, and the Origin of Life.
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
- Education: Applicants must hold (or obtain before the start date) a Master’s degree in the broad domain of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
- Specialization: A focus in geochemistry, planetary atmospheres, chemical thermodynamics, mineralogy, or a closely related discipline is required.
- Duties: The successful candidate must be willing to fulfill laboratory and/or teaching duties as part of their position.
Job Description
The Earth’s transition from its accretion phase into a habitable planet is a major scientific question. Leading theories regarding the origin of life often invoke reducing atmospheres, but the existence and duration of these environments on early Earth remain unclear.
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques to study the chemistry of a global selection of Archean komatiites.
- Deduce the conditions under which these komatiites were altered by interacting with the Earth’s surface environment over time.
- Couple the magnitudes and rates of reaction with models to determine the stability and nature of climatic states on the early Earth.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via the ETH Zürich online application portal. You will need to prepare and upload the following documents:
- A current CV
- A 1-page statement of motivation and research interests
For any specific inquiries about the group or position, you can contact Prof. Paolo Sossi at paolo.sossi [at] eaps.ethz.ch.
Last Date for Apply
August 21, 2026
