PhD Position in Cryogenic Carbonate Mineralization and Carbon Dioxide Fluxes

ETH Zurich seeks a PhD candidate to investigate cryogenic carbonate mineralization and CO2 fluxes through experimental geochemistry in a fixed-term, on-site role in Zürich.

This position focuses on understanding how freezing processes impact carbon cycling in cold environments, including glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost. The successful candidate will help establish a new experimental platform for low-temperature geochemistry at ETH Zurich, developing frameworks to predict whether freezing leads to carbon release or storage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct controlled laboratory experiments using specialized freezing and thawing reactors to simulate cryogenic conditions.
• Analyze liquid and gas geochemical data using various analytical instruments.
• Identify and characterize carbonate minerals formed during freezing via mineralogical and microscopic methods.
• Build and parameterize a predictive kinetic model based on time-resolved geochemical measurements.
• Compile experimental results and publish findings in scientific journals.
• Share research outcomes at international conferences and workshops.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral researchers, and other team members.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in geochemistry, Earth sciences, environmental chemistry, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Nice to have

• Background or strong interest in low-temperature geochemistry, water-rock interactions, mineral formation, carbonate and aqueous redox chemistry, or cryosphere science.
• Motivation for hands-on laboratory work and experimental troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with 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.

What the company offers

• Fully funded 48-month PhD position.
• Public transport season tickets.
• Car sharing.
• Wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ.
• Childcare.
• Attractive pension benefits.
• Collaborative research environment.
• Mentorship from the PI.
• Access to a newly established low-temperature experimental geochemistry laboratory.
• Supportive and inclusive workspace.

About the company

ETH Zurich fosters a supportive and communicative group culture, encouraging collaboration and open exchange among its research teams.

• Supportive and communicative group culture.