PhD Position on Soil Biogeochemical Dynamics of Alpine Catchments 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
ETH Zürich
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PhD Position on Soil Biogeochemical Dynamics of Alpine Catchments
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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We seek a PhD student to study the effects of soil redistribution on biogeochemical fluxes as well as carbon and
nutrient storage in Swiss alpine catchments with contrasting geological background. This position is integral to an
interdisciplinary research team, which includes 3 PhD students across groups at ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne.
Project background
Mountain regions are hotspots of contemporary environmental change where the interactions between climate, parent
material, topography, and biota create key ecosystem services related to the cycling and storage of carbon in soil.
Yet, our ability to quantify and predict soil carbon stocks and lateral fluxes across such highly heterogeneous
landscapes is still limited. By integrating field monitoring, soil biogeochemical analysis, and numerical modeling of
coupled ecohydrological and geomorphological processes, we will evaluate the dynamics of lateral soil carbon
redistribution across environmentally complex and geochemically distinct landscapes.
The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary SNSF-funded project that is motivated by the urgent need for a
better understanding of biogeochemical fluxes in alpine catchments where eco-hydrological conditions are changing
rapidly due to climate change. The project is a joint collaboration between EPFL (Sara Bonnetti), ETH Zürich (ETHZ,
Sebastian Doetterl), University of Lausanne (UNIL, Stuart Lane, Nadav Peleg), and the Swiss Federal Institute for
Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL, Katrin Meusburger), with a team encompassing (eco)hydrologists, soil
scientists, and geomorphologists.
Job description
The PhD student will be responsible for the soil physical and biogeochemical characterization of soils at the
catchment scale and assess erosional soil fluxes using radionuclide assessment approaches, with the specific duties:
- Participate in the setup and maintenance of field soil and plant sampling
- Assess soil fluxes
- Analyze soil organic matter sources, quality and stabilization
- Determine shifts in soil nutrient cycling between soils
- Elucidate the role of secondary minerals in regulating soil organic carbon content
- Communicate scientific findings, and write peer-reviewed scientific papers
Profile
Must haves:
- MSc degree in Soil Science, Environmental science or related field
- Experience with soil sampling and physicochemical laboratory analyses
- Willingness to travel to and conduct field work in remote alpine catchments
- Fluent proficiency in English (Toefl C1 or higher)
- Excellent teamwork and communication for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment
- Ability to work independently and critical thinking
Assets:
- Background in soil biogeochemistry or soil genesis
- Experience with soil flux measurements using radionuclides
- Knowledge of German or French is an asset.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH
- A friendly, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment spread across the ETH Earth and Planetary Science
and Environmental Systems Science departments
- An impactful research topic in a rapidly developing field
- Top of the line laboratory setup
- Freedom to co-design and develop research ideas beyond the original project setup
Placement of position within the ETH domain
The position is placed within the ETH Zurich Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), in close collaboration
with Dr. Katrin Meusburger from WSL who work on the effects of soil degradation and soil development on
plant-soil-atmosphere C dynamics. Our laboratories and offices are located in downtown Zurich with greenhouse
facilities available also at ETH’s agricultural research station at Eschikon, ZH).
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.
Start date will ideally be between 1 April 2025 and 1 June 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application
until 31.01.2025 including :
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing your interests, goals, and how they relate to the position (in English)
- Curriculum Vitae including educational history, any publications, awards, etc. (4 pages maximum) (In English)
- Names and contact details of three references
- BSc and MSc transcripts (in English or German)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by 15.02.2025 . We exclusively accept applications submitted
through our online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered. For more information,
please contact sdoetterl@usys.ethz.ch.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
We seek a PhD student to study the effects of soil redistribution on biogeochemical fluxes as well as carbon and
nutrient storage in Swiss alpine catchments with contrasting geological background. This position is integral to an
interdisciplinary research team, which includes 3 PhD students across groups at ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne.
Project background
Mountain regions are hotspots of contemporary environmental change where the interactions between climate, parent
material, topography, and biota create key ecosystem services related to the cycling and storage of carbon in soil.
Yet, our ability to quantify and predict soil carbon stocks and lateral fluxes across such highly heterogeneous
landscapes is still limited. By integrating field monitoring, soil biogeochemical analysis, and numerical modeling of
coupled ecohydrological and geomorphological processes, we will evaluate the dynamics of lateral soil carbon
redistribution across environmentally complex and geochemically distinct landscapes.
The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary SNSF-funded project that is motivated by the urgent need for a
better understanding of biogeochemical fluxes in alpine catchments where eco-hydrological conditions are changing
rapidly due to climate change. The project is a joint collaboration between EPFL (Sara Bonnetti), ETH Zürich (ETHZ,
Sebastian Doetterl), University of Lausanne (UNIL, Stuart Lane, Nadav Peleg), and the Swiss Federal Institute for
Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL, Katrin Meusburger), with a team encompassing (eco)hydrologists, soil
scientists, and geomorphologists.
Job description
The PhD student will be responsible for the soil physical and biogeochemical characterization of soils at the
catchment scale and assess erosional soil fluxes using radionuclide assessment approaches, with the specific duties:
- Participate in the setup and maintenance of field soil and plant sampling
- Assess soil fluxes
- Analyze soil organic matter sources, quality and stabilization
- Determine shifts in soil nutrient cycling between soils
- Elucidate the role of secondary minerals in regulating soil organic carbon content
- Communicate scientific findings, and write peer-reviewed scientific papers
Profile
Must haves:
- MSc degree in Soil Science, Environmental science or related field
- Experience with soil sampling and physicochemical laboratory analyses
- Willingness to travel to and conduct field work in remote alpine catchments
- Fluent proficiency in English (Toefl C1 or higher)
- Excellent teamwork and communication for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment
- Ability to work independently and critical thinking
Assets:
- Background in soil biogeochemistry or soil genesis
- Experience with soil flux measurements using radionuclides
- Knowledge of German or French is an asset.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH
- A friendly, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment spread across the ETH Earth and Planetary Science
and Environmental Systems Science departments
- An impactful research topic in a rapidly developing field
- Top of the line laboratory setup
- Freedom to co-design and develop research ideas beyond the original project setup
Placement of position within the ETH domain
The position is placed within the ETH Zurich Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), in close collaboration
with Dr. Katrin Meusburger from WSL who work on the effects of soil degradation and soil development on
plant-soil-atmosphere C dynamics. Our laboratories and offices are located in downtown Zurich with greenhouse
facilities available also at ETH’s agricultural research station at Eschikon, ZH).
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.
Start date will ideally be between 1 April 2025 and 1 June 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application
until 31.01.2025 including :
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing your interests, goals, and how they relate to the position (in English)
- Curriculum Vitae including educational history, any publications, awards, etc. (4 pages maximum) (In English)
- Names and contact details of three references
- BSc and MSc transcripts (in English or German)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by 15.02.2025 . We exclusively accept applications submitted
through our online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered. For more information,
please contact sdoetterl@usys.ethz.ch.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.