The Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases group at ETH Zürich is seeking a highly motivated and creative PhD candidate with a strong interest in low temperature experimental geochemistry. This fully funded 4-year position is part of a newly funded project at the intersection of experimental geochemistry, cryosphere science, and planetary surface processes, with an expected start date of 4 January 2027. The research focuses on how freezing influences carbonate mineral formation and carbon dioxide exchange in cryogenic environments such as glaciers, sea ice, permafrost, and ice-rich planetary systems.
You will contribute to a new experimental platform for low-temperature geochemistry at ETH Zurich and engage in research on how ice formation influences carbon cycling in cold environments.
Tasks
- Lead and execute controlled cryogenic laboratory experiments using customized freezing and thawing reactor systems.
- Measure and interpret liquid and gas geochemical data using analytical instrumentation such as gas analyzers, HPIC, ICP-OES, UVVis-Spectroscopy, and potentiometric titration.
- Recover and characterize carbonate minerals formed during freezing using mineralogical and microscopic techniques.
- Develop and parameterize a predictive kinetic framework using time-resolved geochemical measurements.
- Synthesize experimental datasets and disseminate findings through scientific manuscripts.
- Present research at international conferences and workshops.
- Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator, a postdoctoral researcher, and other group members while contributing to a supportive and communicative group culture.
Requirements
- Curious, careful, and motivated by experimental research.
- Enjoy working with complex geochemical systems and developing new methods and datasets.
- MSc degree in geochemistry, Earth sciences, environmental chemistry, chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong interest or background in low-temperature geochemistry, water-rock interactions, mineral formation, carbonate and aqueous redox chemistry, cryosphere science, or related fields.
- Motivation for hands-on laboratory work and experimental troubleshooting.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work carefully with quantitative chemical data.
- Creativity, resilience, and independence when working on exploratory research questions.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Experience with reactive-transport/geochemical modeling is beneficial but not required.
Benefits
- Collaborative research environment with an enthusiastic, inclusive, and highly collaborative research group.
- Dynamic departmental setting with broad expertise, excellent research infrastructure, and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.
- Direct mentorship from the PI and senior group members, with support in experimental design, data interpretation, scientific writing, and academic framework development.
- Participation in the broader academic community through publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Additional development opportunities through teaching assistantships, ETH doctoral courses, and transferable-skills training.
- Access to a newly established low-temperature experimental geochemistry laboratory with high-precision environmental control and analytical instrumentation.
- Supportive and inclusive workspace with flexible working arrangements where compatible with laboratory and project responsibilities.
- Fully funded 48-month PhD position.
- Benefits such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.
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Über uns
Das Team
You will join the Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases group within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator, a postdoctoral researcher, and other group members in a supportive and communicative group culture.