Senior Scientist / Senior Scientistess / Lab Manager / Lab Manageress in Spectroscopy for High Pressure/Temperature Experiments

Job Opportunity: Senior Scientist / Lab Manager

The Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, part of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (D-EAPS), invites you to apply online using the form below for a two-year senior scientist / lab manager position, with the potential for a longer-term commitment at ETH Zurich.

About Us

Our institute specializes in the study of the interiors, atmospheres, and evolution of terrestrial planetary bodies, both within our Solar System and beyond. We utilize a comprehensive range of spectroscopic and high-pressure/high-temperature experimental tools to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the materials—solids, liquids, and gases—that constitute planetary bodies. As exoplanetary observations expand, innovative techniques are essential for accessing and understanding these bodies under the extreme conditions characteristic of their interiors and atmospheres.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier-Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy, along with experimental equipment including Aerodynamic Levitation and Diamond Anvil Cells.
• Train lab users and contribute to the education and supervision of MSc and Ph.D. students.
• Possibly develop independent research projects in collaboration with nearby research institutions such as ScopeM and the Swiss Light Source.

Working Environment

This position will be hosted in the Experimental Planetology Group (led by Prof. Sossi) and co-hosted by the High Pressure Experimental Petrology Group (led by Prof. Schmidt).

Qualifications

• A doctorate in the broad domain of experimental Earth and planetary sciences, physics, or chemistry, with a strong background in spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in optics, electronics, 3D experimental design (such as CAD), and coding languages (e.g., Python).
• A willingness to train users of spectroscopic and experimental apparatus, including Ph.D. and Master's students, and to contribute to teaching in these fields.
• This position may be oriented towards a lab leader profile, with opportunities to develop a personal research profile.

Why ETH Zurich?

Join us in a friendly, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment at ETH, where you will have access to extensive opportunities in planetary sciences through avenues such as the Center for the Origin and Prevalence of Life and ETH Space. Notably, ETH Zurich ranks first in the world for Earth Sciences.

Application Details

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application consisting of:

• A CV including a publication list and names of two referees
• A one-page statement of motivation
• A one-page statement of technical and research interests

Note: Please apply online using the form below. The application deadline is April 3, 2026, with a projected start date in Summer or Autumn 2026.

Further Information

For additional information about our groups, please visit the Planetology and High Pressure Group websites. Any inquiries should be directed to Prof. Paolo Sossi at paolo.sossi@eaps.ethz.ch (no applications).