PhD Position in Soil Biogeochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering
vor 18 Stunden
ETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.
We seek a PhD student to study the effects of Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) applications on biogeochemical cycles, plant growth and soil health with a particular focus on degraded soils in tropical agroecosystems. This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher across three research groups.
Project backgroundMotivation
In the light of an intensifying climate crisis and the need for sustainable food production, ERW applications in agricultural systems are discussed as powerful tools for climate mitigation and soil remediation. However, several critical research questions regarding ERW application in an agricultural context remain unanswered, particularly for tropical soils, thus limiting the large-scale implementation.
Project setup
The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary ETH-funded project that is motivated by the urgent need for scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions—in addition to emissions reductions—to limit global warming to below 2°C. We will fill these gaps by providing a holistic quantification of CO₂ removal and addressing poorly constrained environmental consequences on biogeochemical cycles in agroecosystems. We will utilize a shared greenhouse experimental setup to assess the impact of ERW on a variety of contrasting (tropical and non-tropical) soils.
This work will be carried out across three groups at ETH Zurich: (i) the Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), which works on the effects of soil degradation and soil development on plant-soil-atmosphere C dynamics; (ii) the Surface Earth Evolution group (Prof. Jordon Hemingway), which investigates processes that drive global climate change over human to geologic timescales; and (iii) the Earth Surface Geochemistry group (Dr. Tim Sweere), which aims to understand global biogeochemical cycles at several scales.
You will be responsible for the soil health and organic carbon aspects of this project, with the specific duties:
- Participate in the setup and maintenance of all plant growth experiments
- Analyze soil microbial community compositions
- Determine shifts in soil nutrient and toxic element cycling between plants and soil
- Study the impact of rock powder on plant growth
- Elucidate the role of secondary minerals in regulating soil organic carbon content
- Communicate scientific findings, and write peer-reviewed scientific papers
Required experience, skills, and characteristics:
- MSc degree in Soil Science, Environmental science, Agronomy, or related field
- Experience with soil sampling and physicochemical laboratory analyses
- Fluent proficiency in English (Toefl C1 or higher)
- Excellent communication for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment
- Ability to work independently and critical thinking
- Willingness to travel to tropical Eastern and Central Africa
- Background in soil biogeochemistry or soil genesis
- Experience with greenhouse plant growth trials
- Knowledge of the German language
- A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH with conditions and benefits defined here
- An impactful research topic in a rapidly developing field
- Top-of-the-line laboratory setups
- Freedom to co-design and develop research ideas beyond the original project setup
Placement of position at ETH Zurich
The position is based in the Soil Resources group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Our laboratories and offices are located in downtown Zurich with greenhouse facilities at ETH’s agricultural research station at Eschikon, ZH.
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. Applications should include:
- 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 15.02.2024. 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.
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.
Job detailsTitle
PhD Position in Soil Biogeochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering
#J-18808-Ljbffr-
Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD Position in Soil Biogeochemistry of Enhanced Rock WeatheringWe seek a PhD student to study the effects of Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) applications on biogeochemical cycles, plant growth and soil health with a particular focus on degraded soils in tropical agroecosystems. This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students and...
-
Zürich, Schweiz ETH get hired VollzeitPhD Position in Soil Biogeochemistry of Enhanced Rock WeatheringWe seek a PhD student to study the effects of Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) applications on biogeochemical cycles, plant growth, and soil health with a particular focus on degraded soils in tropical agroecosystems. This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students...
-
PhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz ETH get hired VollzeitPhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock WeatheringWe seek a PhD student to develop and evaluate new geochemical tracers for the quantification of carbon dioxide removal and monitoring of potential heavy metal pollution following enhanced rock weathering (ERW) applications. This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students...
-
PhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock WeatheringWe seek a PhD student to develop and evaluate new geochemical tracers for the quantification of carbon dioxide removal and monitoring of potential heavy metal pollution following enhanced rock weathering (ERW) applications. This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students...
-
PhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position in Geochemistry of Enhanced Rock Weathering ETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice. We seek a PhD student to develop and evaluate new geochemical tracers for the quantification of carbon dioxide removal and monitoring of potential heavy...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position on Soil Biogeochemical Dynamics of Alpine CatchmentsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.Position OverviewWe seek a PhD student to study the effects of soil redistribution on biogeochemical fluxes as well as carbon and nutrient storage...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD Position on Soil Biogeochemical Dynamics of Alpine CatchmentsWe 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...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Maserati of San Diego VollzeitHome PhD PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose, Zurich, Switzerland PhD Position in Microstructure of Cellulose: We are excited to offer a fully funded PhD position, focused on an interdisciplinary project that integrates soft matter physics and material science to develop the next generation of architected bacterial cellulose for fundamental...
-
PhD Position in Wearable Sensors, ETH Zurich, Switzerlands
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Zuhause In Duesseldorf VollzeitPhD Position in Wearable Sensors: Embark on a cutting-edge research journey as a PhD student at ETH Zurich’s Sensing, Interaction & Perception Lab. This fixed-term position focuses on multi-modal signal processing for learning-based input decoding from wearable sensors, including IMUs, eye gaze, microphones, EMG, and PPG. Contribute to the development of...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Department of Plant and Microbial Biology/Agroecology and Plant-Microbiome Interactions** **PhD Position: Exploring Ancient Microbiomes for a Sustainable Agriculture 80 %**: Start of employment 1. February 2025 Microbes play a key role in ecosystems and regulate plant growth and ecosystem functioning. In previous studies, we have observed that microbes...
-
Phd Position in Philosophy
vor 1 Woche
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Department of Philosophy** **PhD Position in Philosophy 80 - 100 %**: Start of employment 01.04.2025, note later than May 1, 2025, permanent employment The Institute of Philosophy, Ethics Research Institute at the University of Zurich offers a 4-year fully funded (SNSF) PhD position under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Michael Messerli. **Your...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich Vollzeit**Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine** **PhD Position in Ethics of Voice Assistants in Dementia Care 80 %**: Start of employment 01.03.2025, temporary The institute (IBME) belongs to the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zurich, and consists of two Chairs; Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine. Since 2009, the IBME has been a...
-
Zürich, Schweiz Universität Zürich VollzeitDepartment of Plant and Microbial Biology/Agroecology and Plant-Microbiome InteractionsPhD Position: Exploring Ancient Microbiomes for a Sustainable Agriculture 80 %Start of employment 1. February 2025Microbes play a key role in ecosystems and regulate plant growth and ecosystem functioning. In previous studies, we have observed that microbes and microbial...
-
PhD position in THz dynamics of quantum materials
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD position in THz dynamics of quantum materialsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.PhD position in THz dynamics of quantum materialsThe Quantum Material Dynamics group (Prof. Elsa Abreu, qmd.ethz.ch) in the Department of Physics of ETH Zürich...
-
PhD Position
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position (2 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.PhD Position (2 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsThe Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of...
-
PhD Position in Laser Spectroscopy
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Lasercraft Technologies Inc VollzeitHome PhD PhD Position in Laser SpectroscopyPhD Position in Laser SpectroscopyETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Laboratory for Functional Ferroic Materials. The candidate will explore novel manifestations of ferroic order using advanced nonlinear laser spectroscopy techniques, working with class-IV laser systems and other...
-
PhD Position
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position (1 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.The Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for full-time (100%) PhD...
-
PhD position at the University of Salzburg
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Biomechanics Summer Course VollzeitPhD position at the University of SalzburgPhD position at the University of Salzburg “Boot and position fitting in Alpine Skiing”Description of the project and the UniversityThe Team Biomechanics of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Salzburg offers a PhD position for up to 3 years in the area of “Boot and position...
-
PhD Position
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich VollzeitPhD Position (2 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsThe Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for full-time (100%) PhD students in earthquake seismology and hydromechanics. This is the advertisement for PhD #2, which focuses on the hydromechanics of complex fault...
-
PhD Position
vor 18 Stunden
Zürich, Schweiz Karlstad University VollzeitPhD Position (3 of 3) in Earthquake Seismology and HydromechanicsETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.Project backgroundThe Institute of Geophysics at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences of ETH Zurich has three open positions for...
