PhD Candidate in Tropical Organic Geochemistry / PhD Candidate in Tropical Organic Geochemistry

PhD Position in Tropical Organic Geochemistry: Modern and Ancient Microbial Drivers of Biogeochemical Cycling

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We seek a highly motivated PhD student for a multidisciplinary project across two groups: (i) The Surface Earth Evolution (SEE) group in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich is dedicated to investigating the processes that drive global climate change over human to geologic timescales. (ii) The Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAE) group in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich is committed to providing healthy food from fields to tables around the world for generations to come. Together, our work intersects traditional Earth and environmental science fields to holistically study the drivers and impacts of changing climate and land use. We effectively integrate field-based sample collection and monitoring with lab-based biogeochemical measurements.

Project Background

This position is part of the SNSF-funded project Constraining tropical wetland greenhouse gas production today and through time: insights from Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, Democratic Republic of Congo (LacMai). The project aims to mechanistically constrain the climatic and anthropogenic controls on greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) in Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, a region that is severely understudied and houses the world’s largest tropical wetland. To achieve our goals, we will sample greenhouse gases, peatland soils, and lake sediments, analyzing these using isotopes, biomarkers, and DNA-based methods.

The PhD student will lead the biomarker component of this interdisciplinary project. Utilizing state-of-the-art organic geochemical techniques, you will identify and reconstruct how biogeochemical cycles and microbial communities have responded to climatic shifts over the past 12,000 years (i.e., the Holocene).

Job Description

• Perform fieldwork: Participate in sampling expeditions to DR Congo to collect high-resolution, pristine sediment records from Lake Mai Ndombe and surrounding peatlands, ensuring appropriate preservation for organic geochemical analyses.
• Describe sediments: Build lake sediment- and peat-core age models in collaboration with ETH Zurich's cutting-edge radiocarbon facility. Interpret how sediment sources and accumulation rates have evolved over the Holocene.
• Reconstruct ecosystems: Use ancient pollen and charcoal signals preserved in sediments to determine how climate and landscape vegetation have evolved over the Holocene.
• Analyze biomarkers: Extract and quantify sedimentary biomarkers that are diagnostic of specific greenhouse gas-producing and consuming microorganisms. Reconstruct how greenhouse gas cycling has evolved over the Holocene.
• Communicate findings: Attend international conferences and workshops and write scientific papers.

This position is integral to the research team, which includes two PhD students, two senior scientists, and several technicians across two research groups. You will lead these tasks while being supported by all involved PIs and researchers. This multidisciplinary team offers the opportunity to learn, develop, and apply scientific skills beyond traditional organic geochemistry!

Profile

• Education: MSc degree in geochemistry, geology, or a related field.
• Wet-lab experience: Familiarity with geochemical and/or sedimentological techniques (e.g., organic or inorganic isotope analysis); prior experience working with biomarkers or in a similarly controlled laboratory environment is a strong asset.
• Computational skills: Experience with data reduction and analysis techniques (e.g., statistical methods, numerical models) is highly desirable.
• Remote fieldwork: Willingness to conduct fieldwork in a remote tropical environment.
• Communication: Proficiency in written and spoken English and the ability to communicate in a cross-cultural environment. Knowledge of French is a plus (for fieldwork).
• Personal attributes: Ability to work independently with flexibility, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn new skills.

Workplace

This position offers excellent, inclusive working conditions in a unique, understudied region of high scientific and climatic value within the renowned environment of ETH Zurich.

We Offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position embedded in the SEE group.
• An opportunity to work in a unique, understudied region of high scientific and climatic value.
• Excellent, inclusive working conditions, a strong international network, and an internationally competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The deadline for applications is 15.03.2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by 31.03.2026. The ideal start date will be June-July 2026. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Jordon D. Hemingway at jordon.hemingway@eaps.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.