PhD Candidate in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering / PhD Candidate in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering

PhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to develop and evaluate innovative geochemical tracers for the quantification of carbon dioxide removal and monitoring of potential heavy metal pollution following enhanced rock weathering (ERW) applications. This role is integral to our research team, which comprises two PhD students and one postdoctoral researcher working across three research groups involved in this project.

Project Background

In light of the intensifying climate crisis and the need for sustainable food production, ERW applications in agricultural systems are discussed as powerful tools for climate mitigation and soil remediation. However, several critical research questions regarding its application in an agricultural context remain unanswered, particularly for tropical soils. These unanswered questions limit the large-scale implementation of ERW.

Project Setup

The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary ETH-funded project, driven by an urgent need for scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions—in addition to emissions reductions—to limit global warming to below 2°C. Our objective is to fill knowledge gaps by providing a holistic quantification of CO₂ removal and addressing poorly constrained environmental consequences on biogeochemical cycles in agroecosystems. We will utilize a shared greenhouse experimental setup to assess the impact of ERW on various contrasting soils, including tropical and non-tropical varieties.

This work will be conducted across three groups at ETH Zurich:

• The Earth Surface Geochemistry group (Dr. Tim Sweere; Dr. Gregory de Souza; Prof. Derek Vance), focused on understanding global biogeochemical cycles at multiple scales;
• The Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), studying the effects of soil degradation and development on plant-soil-atmosphere carbon dynamics;
• The Surface Earth Evolution group (Prof. Jordon Hemingway), investigating processes driving global climate change over human to geologic timescales.

Job Description

The successful candidate will work within the Earth Surface Geochemistry group, focusing on the inorganic geochemical aspects of this project, particularly the use of isotopic tracers of mineral weathering and neoformation. Responsibilities will include:

• Participation in the setup and maintenance of all plant growth experiments;
• Sampling and analysis of soils and pore waters for elemental concentrations;
• Sr and Li isotope analysis to quantify CDR and secondary mineral formation;
• Ni isotope analysis to monitor Ni behavior and evaluate potential adverse effects;
• Reactive transport modeling to assess mechanistic controls;
• Communicating scientific findings and writing peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Profile

Required experience, skills, and characteristics:

• MSc degree in Earth Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related field;
• Experience with geochemical research and laboratory analyses;
• Fluent proficiency in English;
• Excellent communication skills suitable for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment;
• Ability to work independently and engage in critical thinking.

Desirable criteria include:

• Background in (metal-)isotope analysis and experience in clean lab facilities;
• Experience with geochemical modeling;
• Experience with ERW or other geochemical CDR solutions.

Workplace

The position is based in the Earth Surface Geochemistry group at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, located in downtown Zurich, with greenhouse facilities at ETH's agricultural research station in Eschikon, ZH.

We Offer

• A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH with conditions and benefits defined here;
• A friendly, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment across the ETH Earth and Planetary Science and Environmental Systems Science departments;
• An impactful research topic in a rapidly developing field;
• Top-of-the-line laboratory setups;
• A competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards);
• Freedom to co-design and develop research ideas beyond the original project setup.

We Value Diversity

Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected.

Curious? So Are We.

The ideal start date is between April 1, 2025, and June 1, 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application until January 31, 2025, which should include:

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing your interests, goals, and their relation to the position (in English);
• Curriculum Vitae including educational history, any publications, awards, etc. (4 pages maximum) (in English);
• Names and contact details of three references;
• BSc and MSc transcripts (in English or German).

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

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich attracts over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries who find our university an inspiring place for independent thought and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to collaboratively address the challenges facing our world today and in the future.