PhD Researcher in Atmospheric Selenium / PhD Researcheress in Atmospheric Selenium

Two PhD Positions in Atmospheric Selenium Research: Field & Lab Analyses and Process-Based Modeling

100%, Zurich, Fixed-term

We are seeking two highly motivated and curious PhD students to join the Inorganic Environmental Geochemistry group at ETH Zurich and Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. Our interdisciplinary team studies the biogeochemical cycles of trace elements across various environmental compartments. Our mission is to understand and predict the environmental distributions of health-impacting trace elements to prevent health hazards, both today and in the future.

Project Background

We are looking for two PhD students for a new Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded project. The objective is to enhance our understanding of how the essential micronutrient selenium (Se) cycles through the atmosphere, encompassing emissions, chemical transformations, transport, and deposition. This project will integrate field sampling, lab analyses, and computational atmospheric modeling to investigate the atmosphere's role in the global biogeochemical cycle of Se. Given the chemical similarity between selenium and sulfur (S), the project will also explore sulfur, comparing the environmental pathways of both elements.

The global biogeochemical cycles of trace elements impacting human health increasingly involve the atmosphere. Selenium, for instance, is a vital antioxidant. Understanding and quantifying the atmospheric transport and chemical forms of selenium is crucial, as it determines its ultimate fate in surface environments and its impact on human health.

If you are passionate about environmental and atmospheric sciences and wish to contribute to our understanding of this critical element, these positions may be an excellent fit for you.

Job Description

The two projects offered are closely linked: one project (A) focuses on field sampling and lab analyses, while the other (B) emphasizes modeling.

• Project A: This project involves designing and conducting field sampling campaigns across various environments (urban, mountainous, and marine) throughout all seasons. Your goal will be to collect both wet (rain, hail, snow) and dry (aerosol) deposition samples. Following sample collection, you will perform lab analyses to determine the total elemental composition and speciation of various chemical compounds using ICP-MS methods and other chemical analyses. A crucial aspect of your project will be interpreting the data and developing scientific hypotheses regarding the atmospheric processes that control the cycling of selenium and other trace elements. Collaboration with the other PhD student (Project B) will be essential.
• Project B: This project will focus on atmospheric modeling of selenium by expanding our global selenium cycling model, which is part of the ICON-ART (ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic - Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases) modeling system. The objective is to deepen our understanding of selenium's environmental pathways—from its emissions from marine and terrestrial sources, through its atmospheric chemical transformations, to its deposition as wet or aerosol particles. You will also employ statistical inference methods for hypothesis testing. Ultimately, you will create maps of atmospheric selenium inputs to the Earth's surface and predict how selenium deposition patterns might change under future climate and emission scenarios. Collaborating closely with the other PhD student will also involve validating your model results using existing atmospheric measurements and new data gathered during Project A.

Both projects offer opportunities to explore your creative ideas and collaborate closely with partners at ETH Zurich and other institutions. A significant part of your work will include publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting your results at international conferences. Additionally, you will be expected to organize regular project meetings and participate in some teaching activities at ETH Zurich.

Profile

• Project A: You should possess a MSc degree in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field, with a strong interest in chemical analyses. You are passionate about fieldwork and comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions during intense sampling campaigns. A high appreciation for accuracy and precision in lab analysis is important. Ideally, you have experience with ICP-MS or other Mass Spectrometry techniques.
• Project B: You should have a MSc degree in atmospheric or climate sciences, environmental or Earth sciences, physics, computational sciences, or a closely related discipline with a strong interest in numerical and quantitative science. Strong programming skills in languages such as Fortran, C, R, or Python are essential. Prior experience in process-based modeling, such as climate modeling, is an asset.

For both projects, fluent communication and writing skills in English are mandatory. The ideal candidates are self-driven, critically think, and are excited to collaborate within our diverse, interdisciplinary team.

Workplace

Your workplace will be at ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We promote an inclusive culture, support equality of opportunity, and respect the rights and dignity of all staff and students.

We Offer

• Training with leading experts in chemical analytics of trace elements, modeling, biogeochemical cycles, and atmospheric processes.
• Support programs and networking opportunities, including access to international conferences.
• An interdisciplinary research group that combines expertise in biogeochemical analytics along with statistical and mechanistic modeling.
• A supportive working environment that values the well-being of every team member.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• A competitive Ph.D. salary in accordance with ETH standards, with funding secured for 4 years.

Apply Online

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online using the form below. Ensure that your submission includes the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation for the position
• A CV
• Copies of BSc and MSc educational records
• The names of two academic referees

Please specify which project you are applying for, either Project A or Project B. Although we appreciate every application, only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For more information about the IEG group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Lenny Winkel via email at lwinkel@ethz.ch (no applications via email).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is globally recognized for its exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and direct application of new knowledge to societal issues. With over 30,000 students from more than 120 countries, we promote an environment that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Our location in the heart of Europe allows us to connect globally as we collectively tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.