PhD Position in Early Earth Geochemistry and Habitability

ETH Zurich offers a fully funded four-year PhD position in Zürich to investigate the geochemistry of Archean komatiites and their impact on early Earth habitability.

This four-year doctoral role, supported by the National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis, focuses on the geochemistry of Archean komatiites. The primary objective is to utilize advanced spectroscopic methods to analyze these rocks, thereby deducing the environmental conditions under which they interacted with the early Earth's surface and atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the chemical composition of a worldwide selection of Archean komatiites using cutting-edge spectroscopic methods.
• Integrate reaction rates and magnitudes with modeling approaches to assess the stability and characteristics of climatic states on the early Earth.
• Perform assigned laboratory tasks and/or support teaching activities as required.

Requirements

• Possess a Master’s degree in Earth or planetary sciences, or be on track to complete one before the appointment begins.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge in geochemistry, planetary atmospheres, chemical thermodynamics, mineralogy, or a closely related field.

What the company offers

• Join a friendly, dynamic, and interdisciplinary work environment at ETH Zürich.
• Engage with the active NCCR Genesis community, which addresses questions regarding the origin of life.
• Receive a salary aligned with ETH Zürich’s internal compensation standards for doctoral candidates.
• Collaborate with external partners at the universities of Bern, Cambridge, Harvard, and IPGP.

About the company

ETH Zürich holds the top global ranking for Earth Sciences. The associated NCCR Genesis serves as an interdisciplinary research infrastructure, uniting experts from physics, chemistry, biology, and earth and planetary sciences.

• ETH Zürich is ranked first globally for Earth Sciences.
• NCCR Genesis fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists, and biologists.