The Geothermal Energy & Geofluids (GEG) Group within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich is offering a fully funded 100% Doctoral Position in Magnetic Resonance Applications in Porous Media. This PhD project aims to pioneer multi-modal magnetic resonance techniques (NMR/MRI, pulsed-EPR-MRI, and DNP) to examine subsurface reactive fluids, mineral precipitation, and fluid-rock interactions relevant to geothermal energy and sustainable technologies.
Position Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Position / PhD Researcher |
| Research Area | Magnetic Resonance (NMR, EPR, DNP), Porous Media, Geothermal Energy, Earth & Planetary Sciences |
| Institution | ETH Zurich (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences) |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), Fixed-term (1 year with annual extensions) |
| Start Date | February 1, 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled / As soon as possible |
Designation
Doctoral Candidate / PhD Researcher in the Geothermal Energy & Geofluids (GEG) Group.
Research Area
The position lies at the intersection of physical chemistry, geomechanics, fluid dynamics, and instrumentation development, focusing on:
- Method development in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR/MRI), pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (pulsed-EPR-MRI), and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP).
- Investigation of fundamental processes in porous natural rock formations, including multicomponent fluid flow (e.g., H2O, CO2), crystalline hydration, and mechanochemical radical generation.
- Characterization of radical centers and tracking geochemical reactions (e.g., mineral precipitation via 23Na/7Li isotopes).
Location
ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Geosciences, or a related discipline.
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging physics, chemistry, geochemistry, and energy science.
- Hands-on experience with liquid- or solid-state NMR, MRI, or EPR techniques.
- Familiarity with materials characterization tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), or X-ray computed tomography (XRCT).
- Prior experience in designing and performing high-temperature and high-pressure in-situ experiments is an advantage.
- Excellent communication skills with complete fluency in English (both written and spoken).
Scholarship and Position Description
This 100% PhD position offers a competitive salary in accordance with ETH Zurich employment regulations. Initial appointment is for one year, with potential for annual extensions subject to project requirements and research performance.
ETH Zurich offers an outstanding research infrastructure. The GEG Group provides access to low-field (~50 mT) and high-field (5.6 T) multinuclear NMR/MRI systems, pulsed-EPR-MRI, DNP instrumentation, laser Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), and Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) within a collaborative, inclusive, and international academic environment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official ETH Zurich online application portal. Submissions by email or regular post will not be evaluated.
Please prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- A comprehensive cover letter detailing your motivation, relevant experience, and specific interest in magnetic resonance.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Up to three reference letters (or the contact details of three academic/professional referees).
For scientific inquiries regarding the project, candidates may contact Dr. Adam Altenhof (adam.altenhof@eaps.ethz.ch) or Dr. Xiang-Zhao Kong (xkong@ethz.ch). Note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be processed.
Last Date for Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the position is filled.
Apply Link
Apply Online via ETH Zurich Portal
