The Geomitigation of Greenhouse Gases group at ETH Zürich is recruiting 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, starting 4 January 2027. You will investigate how freezing influences carbonate mineral formation and carbon dioxide exchange under conditions simulating cryogenic environments such as glaciers, sea ice, permafrost, and ice-rich planetary systems. The project aims to develop a process-based framework for understanding when freezing promotes carbon release, carbon storage, or both.
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 (e.g., Gas analyzers, HPIC, ICP-OES, UVVis-Spectroscopy, 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 excited by the challenge of 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
- Join an enthusiastic, inclusive, and highly collaborative research group where high quality research, open discussion, and creative scientific thinking are strongly valued.
- Benefit from a dynamic departmental setting with broad expertise, excellent research infrastructure, and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.
- Receive direct mentorship from the PI and senior members of the group, with support in developing skills in experimental design, data interpretation, scientific writing, and academic framework development.
- Participate 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 equipped with high-precision environmental control and analytical instrumentation.
- Supportive, respectful, inclusive, and constructive working environment.
- Flexible working arrangements can be discussed where compatible with laboratory and project responsibilities.
- Fully funded 48-month PhD position.
- Benefits include 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 collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator, a postdoctoral researcher, and other group members, contributing to a supportive and communicative group culture within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.