Fully Funded PhD Candidate / Fully Funded PhD Candidate

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Start Date

September 1, 2026

Employment Relationship

Ends on August 31, 2030

Institution / Workplace

Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern

Project Background

Are you interested in reconstructing past glacier dynamics, climate change, and landscape evolution in the Alps? Join the SouthIce project at the University of Bern for one of two fully funded PhD positions in Quaternary geology, geochronology, and paleoclimate research. SouthIce aims to establish the first numerical chronology of Middle Pleistocene glaciations in the southern Alpine foreland by combining field geology, sedimentology, cutting-edge geochronology, and glacier modelling. The project focuses on the Ivrea and Verbano morainic amphitheaters in northern Italy and brings together an international team from the University of Bern, ETH Zurich, the University of Lausanne, and partner institutions in Italy, China, and Brazil.

What You Will Do

As a PhD candidate in SouthIce, you will:

• Conduct fieldwork in the southern Alpine foreland, including geomorphological mapping, stratigraphic logging, and sample collection.
• Investigate glacial and glaciofluvial deposits using sedimentological and stratigraphic methods.
• Help establish a numerical chronology using geochronological methods such as cosmogenic nuclide burial dating, luminescence dating, and/or paleomagnetic analysis.
• Process and interpret samples and datasets.
• Collaborate closely with an international network of researchers.
• Present your results at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Depending on your profile and final assignment, your work may focus more strongly on one of the two PhD tracks:

• PhD 1: sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleomagnetism, and cosmogenic 10Be/26Al burial dating.
• PhD 2: luminescence dating and innovative 41Ca-based burial dating in collaboration with partner laboratories.

Your Profile

You will be a strong candidate if you hold a Master's degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. We're looking for highly motivated individuals who are curious and interested in Quaternary geology, glacial geomorphology, paleoclimate, and/or geochronology. A passion for combining field-based research with laboratory and analytical work is essential, and you should be prepared to thrive in an interdisciplinary and international research environment. Strong independent work ethic, critical thinking skills, team collaboration, and effective communication in English are necessary. Experience in sedimentology, stratigraphy, geomorphological mapping, geochronology, GIS, or quantitative data analysis is advantageous. For one of the two positions, prior interest or experience in luminescence dating, cosmogenic nuclides, or laboratory development work is especially welcome. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Your Benefits

• International collaboration and training opportunities
• Flexible working environment
• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• Collaborative environment with an ambitious team
• International reputation

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Questions about the position?

Prof. Naki Akçar
naki.akcar@unibe.ch

Questions about the application?

Sarah Antenen
sarah.antenen@unibe.ch