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 are seeking a highly motivated PhD student for a multidisciplinary project within two research groups at ETH Zurich: The Surface Earth Evolution (SEE) group, focused on investigating processes driving global climate change over human and geological timescales, and the Sustainable Agroecosystems (SAE) group, dedicated to promoting healthy food systems globally. Together, our efforts intersect traditional Earth and environmental science fields to examine the impacts of climate change and land use holistically. 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 titled Constraining tropical wetland greenhouse gas production today and through time: insights from Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, Democratic Republic of Congo (LacMai). This project aims to investigate the climatic and anthropogenic controls on greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) in the Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe region, which is home to the world’s largest tropical wetland and remains largely understudied. Our methodology involves sampling greenhouse gases, peatland soils, and lake sediments, followed by analysis 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 the responses of biogeochemical cycles and microbial communities to climatic shifts over the past 12,000 years (the Holocene).

Job Description

• Perform fieldwork: Participate in expeditions to DR Congo to collect high-resolution sediment records from Lake Mai Ndombe and surrounding peatlands, ensuring suitable preservation for organic geochemical analyses.
• Describe sediments: Collaborate with ETH’s cutting-edge radiocarbon facility to build lake sediment and peat-core age models, interpreting how sediment sources and accumulation rates have evolved over the Holocene.
• Reconstruct ecosystems: Utilize ancient pollen and charcoal signals in sediments to assess how climate and landscape vegetation have evolved over the Holocene.
• Analyze biomarkers: Extract and quantify sedimentary biomarkers indicative of specific greenhouse gas-producing and -consuming microorganisms, reconstructing the evolution of greenhouse gas cycling over the Holocene.
• Communicate findings: Attend international conferences and workshops; write scientific papers.

This position is integral to our research team, which includes two PhD students, two senior scientists, and several technicians across the two research groups. While you will lead these tasks, you will receive support from all involved principal investigators and researchers. This multidisciplinary team offers an excellent 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 or sedimentological techniques (e.g., organic or inorganic isotope analysis); prior experience with biomarkers or in a controlled laboratory environment is a strong asset.
• Computational skills: Experience in 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; 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

ETH Zurich provides excellent, inclusive working conditions and a strong international network.

We Offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position embedded in the SEE group.
• Opportunities to work in a unique, understudied region of high scientific and climatic value.
• An internationally competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards).

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture where diversity is valued, and opportunities are equal. Sustainability is a core value for us as we continually work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, known for its cutting-edge research and education. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and strives for excellence in addressing global challenges.