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

PhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

We are seeking a dedicated PhD student to develop and evaluate innovative geochemical tracers for quantifying carbon dioxide removal and monitoring potential heavy metal pollution resulting from enhanced rock weathering (ERW) applications. This position is an integral part of a research team that includes 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher from three collaborating research groups.

Project Background

In light of the escalating climate crisis and the pressing need for sustainable food production, ERW applications in agricultural systems are emerging as vital tools for climate mitigation and soil remediation. However, many critical research questions regarding its application in agricultural contexts remain unanswered, particularly concerning tropical soils, which hinders the large-scale implementation of ERW.

Project Setup

The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary ETH-funded project, motivated by the urgent need for scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions, in addition to emissions reductions, to limit global warming to below 2°C. This project aims to provide comprehensive quantification of CO₂ removal while addressing the poorly understood 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, both tropical and non-tropical.

This work will take place across three groups at ETH Zurich:

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

Job Description

The successful candidate will collaborate within the Earth Surface Geochemistry group on the inorganic geochemical aspects of this project, particularly emphasizing the use of isotopic tracers in mineral weathering and neoformation. Duties 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 papers.

Profile

Required experience, skills, and characteristics include:

• 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 for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment.
• Ability to work independently and engage in critical thinking.

Desirable criteria:

• Background in (metal-)isotope analysis and experience working in clean lab facilities.
• Experience with geochemical modeling.
• Familiarity 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. Our laboratories and offices are 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 defined conditions and benefits.
• 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.
• Access to 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 scope.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.

Curious? So Are We.

The start date will ideally be between 1 April 2025 and 1 June 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application until 31.01.2025. 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. 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 a place that promotes independent thinking in an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.