PhD Position in Tropical Organic Geochemistry: Modern and Ancient Microbial Drivers of Biogeochemical Cycling (Male/Female)

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 committed 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 focuses on delivering healthy food from fields to tables worldwide 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, effectively integrating 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)". The aim is to mechanistically constrain the climatic and anthropogenic controls on greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) in Tumba-Ngiri-Maindombe, which houses the world's largest tropical wetland and remains severely understudied. We will sample greenhouse gases, peatland soils, and lake sediments, analyzing them 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 the Democratic Republic of 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's cutting-edge radiocarbon facility and interpret how sediment sources and accumulation rates have evolved over the Holocene.
• Reconstruct Ecosystems: Utilize 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 diagnostic of specific greenhouse gas-producing and -consuming microorganisms, reconstructing 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, including two PhD students, two senior scientists, and several technicians across both research groups. You will lead these tasks with the support of all involved PIs and researchers. This multidisciplinary team offers an 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 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

The successful candidate will be based at ETH Zurich, benefiting from excellent, inclusive working conditions, a strong international network, and an internationally competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards).

We Offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position embedded in the SEE group.
• The opportunity to work in a unique, understudied region of high scientific and climatic value.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment 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. Sustainability is a core value for us as we work consistently towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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

For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Jordon D. Hemingway at jordon.hemingway@eaps.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zürich

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, we host over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections globally, we collaborate to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.