Fully Funded PhD Candidate / Fully Funded PhD Candidate (Female)

Join the Prestigious University of Bern

At the University of Bern, you will benefit from the esteemed reputation of a globally recognized institution. We invite you to be part of a challenging and rewarding research opportunity.

Start Date

01.09.2026

Employment Relationship

31.08.2030

Institution / Workplace

Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Bern

Project Background

Are you passionate about 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 integrating field geology, sedimentology, cutting-edge geochronology, and glacier modeling. This exciting project focuses on the Ivrea and Verbano morainic amphitheaters in northern Italy and unites a distinguished international team from the University of Bern, ETH Zurich, the University of Lausanne, and partner institutions in Italy, China, and Brazil.

Your Role

As a PhD candidate in the SouthIce project, you will engage in fieldwork across the southern Alpine foreland, which will involve geomorphological mapping, stratigraphic logging, and sample collection. Your responsibilities will include:

• Investigating glacial and glaciofluvial deposits through sedimentological and stratigraphic methods.
• Contributing to the establishment of a numerical chronology using geochronological techniques, such as cosmogenic nuclide burial dating, luminescence dating, and/or paleomagnetic analysis.
• Processing and interpreting samples and datasets.
• Collaborating closely with an international network of researchers.
• Presenting your findings at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Depending on your profile and final assignment, your work may focus more on one of two 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 should hold a Master's degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. We are seeking candidates who are motivated, curious, and interested in Quaternary geology, glacial geomorphology, paleoclimate, and/or geochronology. Ideal candidates will enjoy combining field-based research with laboratory and analytical work and be open to an interdisciplinary and international research environment. Strong independent work skills, critical thinking, collaborative spirit, and effective communication in English are essential. Experience in sedimentology, stratigraphy, geomorphological mapping, geochronology, GIS, or quantitative data analysis is advantageous. For one position, prior interest or experience in luminescence dating, cosmogenic nuclides, or laboratory development work is particularly 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 offers exciting opportunities within a supportive environment that promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what sets us apart as an employer and how you can thrive with us.

Apply Online

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

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position, please reach out to:

Prof. Naki Akçar

If you have questions regarding the application, please contact:

Sarah Antenen