PhD for paleoclimate reconstruction - lipid biomarkers in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Biogeoscience and Biogeosignatures Groups (Geological Institute, Department of Earth Sciences) at ETH Zurich are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with interest in paleoclimate and organic geochemistry to reconstruct changes in Central African paleoclimate over the past ~10 million years (Ma). Your research will be part of the funded ETH research project OKAPI (PI: Dr. Cindy De Jonge): “OKAvango catchment and Makgadikgadi paleolake: Paleoclimate Investigations using multiple lipid biomarker proxies”, which builds upon an international research program (organization: Dr. Liviu Giosan, Woods Hole) to study the Okavango-Makgadikgadi delta-paleolake system.

Climate change in continental South Africa. In southern Africa, climate conditions (i.e., precipitation, temperature) directly affect the presence of vegetation types, biodiversity, and the economic sustenance and well-being of past, present and future humans. Understanding past climate variability in continental southern Africa is not only important for developing future climate models, but also to understand the relationship between local environmental conditions and human evolution, and to decipher the environmental conditions that drove the development and expansion of C4 vegetation. We will apply a suite of novel and established lipid biomarker proxies to sediments to reconstruct the magnitude of temperature and hydrological changes in both the Makgadikgadi paleolake and the Okavango catchment (Botswana) over the last ~10 Ma.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to perform this research, with a relevant MSc degree (i.e., earth sciences, environmental sciences). You should be able to show experience in organic geochemistry or other lab-based analytical methods, and be interested in applying statistical approaches to generate climate records through time. As this research will be undertaken in collaboration with a worldwide network of African Miocene experts, you should have a keen interest in working in an international and interdisciplinary scientific environment. An outgoing phase to the UK (University of Southampton and Oxford University) of 2-4 months is included. Ideally, you should also demonstrate previous fieldwork experience, as field campaigns in Botswana are planned to recover sediment cores and modern samples (University of Botswana: ~1-2 months). This fieldwork is pending the stabilization of the Covid-19 pandemic in Botswana, alternative fieldwork sites will be proposed if needed. Good oral and written communication skills in English are expected to be obtained during the position, also during particpitation in international conferences and workshops (e.g. Woods Hole, USA). Although all applications will be treated equally, we especially welcome applications from women, persons with physical and/or invisible disabilities, and racial and ethnic groups that are currently underrepresented in Earth Sciences.

Are you interested in applying lipid biomarker and statistical tools to shed light on this understudied time period in South Africa?

During this PhD project you will learn to apply state-of-the-art analytical techniques and research concepts that cross scientific boundaries. The student will also present at national and international conferences, write peer-reviewed publications and a PhD thesis. The research training addresses field, numerical, statistical and laboratory skills, equipping the student for a career across a range of professions. 

We offer a fully funded four-year PhD that will start in the winter of 2021 (latest: 01/02/2022), under the mentorship of Dr. Cindy De Jonge (doctoral supervisor: Prof. Timothy Eglinton).

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.