PhD Student in Climate Sciences / PhD Studentess in Climate Sciences

Institute of Geological Sciences

Starting date: 1 April
Fully funded for 4 years

Tasks

As a key member of a team of researchers, your primary role will be to conduct fundamental research, data acquisition, and data analysis using advanced imaging techniques. We offer flexibility in how you achieve the project's goals, allowing you to tailor your focus based on your skills and interests. You will have the opportunity to:

• Obtain high-resolution data from sediment cores.
• Run laboratory incubation experiments to understand the stability of sedimentary signals.
• Participate in fieldwork.
• Focus on the application of advanced data science approaches, including supervised and unsupervised pixel clustering and neural networks, to uncover unique "fingerprints" of past cold and warm climates.

The project comprises three main work packages that will guide you from initial data acquisition to final fingerprinting. A research assistant will provide support with imaging methods and/or data science.

Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious candidate with a Master's degree in Earth Sciences or a related field. We strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of academic backgrounds, including those with experience in:

• Biogeochemistry
• Limnology
• Sedimentology
• Environmental research
• Ecology
• Hydrology
• Data science
• Image processing

While data science experience is a plus, a passion for hands-on analytical work, fieldwork, and a willingness to learn advanced data science techniques are essential. We value strong analytical skills and a collaborative spirit. The project is designed to provide comprehensive training in advanced analytical methods and data science, ensuring you have the tools you need to succeed.

Your profile should include:

• Interest or experience in advanced imaging techniques
• Interest or experience in data science
• Strong ability to work independently and tackle research problems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

We are committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in geology and especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

What We Offer

• An exciting, interdisciplinary project focused on bridging paleoclimatology and cutting-edge data science, hosted at the Institute of Geological Sciences and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Bern.
• A stimulating and supportive research environment that actively embraces multidimensional diversity.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at the University of Bern (XRF, μXRF, HSI) and our collaborators at MARUM, University of Bremen MSI.
• Opportunities for international collaborations, conference attendance, and workshop participation.
• Professional and personal development through specialized training in data science.
• A supportive framework designed for PhD student success, including assistance from a research assistant and independent projects to confirm reproducibility and generalize datasets.
• Integration into the Sedimentary Geochemistry unit of the Institute of Geological Sciences. For more information about the group, please visit: Sedimentary Geochemistry Unit.
• Enrollment in the renowned OCCR climate sciences graduate school, with a competitive SNSF-funded PhD student salary starting at approximately 50,000 CHF gross annually for up to 4 years.

Application Process

To apply, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For any scientific questions, please contact Petra Zahajská at petra.zahajska@unibe.ch.

Application deadline: December 15th, 2025. Interviews are anticipated to take place online during the second half of January 2026.