We 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 and 1 postdoctoral researcher across the three research groups involved in the project. 

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 of its application in an agricultural context remain unanswered, particularly for tropical soils, limiting the large-scale implementation of ERW. 

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 Earth Surface Geochemistry group (Dr. Tim Sweere; Dr. Gregory de Souza; Prof. Derek Vance), which aims to understand global biogeochemical cycles at several scales; (ii) the Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), which works on the effects of soil degradation and soil development on plant-soil-atmosphere C dynamics; and (iii) the Surface Earth Evolution group (Prof. Jordon Hemingway), which investigates processes that drive global climate change over human to geologic timescales.

The successful candidate will work within the Earth Surface Geochemistry group on the inorganic geochemical aspects of this project, focusing especially on the use of isotopic tracers of mineral weathering and neoformation. Tasks will include:

• Participation in the setup and maintenance of all plant growth experiments 
• Sampling and analysis of soils and pore waters for elemental concentrations 
• Sr and Li isotope analysis to quantify CDR and secondary mineral formation 
• Ni isotope analysis to monitor Ni behavior and evaluate potential adverse effects
• Reactive transport modeling to assess mechanistic controls 
• Communicate scientific findings, and write peer-reviewed scientific papers

Required experience, skills, and characteristics: 

• MSc degree in Earth Science, Chemistry, Environmental science, or related field 
• Experience with geochemical research and laboratory analyses 
• Fluent proficiency in English
• Excellent communication for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment 
• Ability to work independently and critical thinking

Desirable criteria:

• Background in (metal-)isotope analysis and working in clean-lab facilities
• Experience with geochemical modelling
• Experience with ERW or other geochemical CDR solutions

• A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH with conditions and benefits defined here 
• 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 setups 
• A competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards)   
• 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 Earth Surface Geochemistry group at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. 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.

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 15.02.2024. We exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered. For more information, please contact tim.sweere@eaps.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.