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PhD Student in Isotope Geochemistry in Zürich

Studierende finden an der ETH Zürich ein Umfeld, das eigenständiges Denken fördert, Forschende ein Klima, das zu Spitzenleistungen inspiriert.

Jobbeschreibung

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The group in the is seeking a PhD student to study how the global sulfur cycle regulates Earth’s long-term habitability. Our group is committed to investigating the processes that drive global environmental changes over human to geologic timescales. We effectively integrate field-based sample collection with lab-based geochemical measurements and numerical models. Combined, our work intersects several traditional Earth-science fields to holistically study the drivers and impacts of global biogeochemical cycles throughout Earth’s history.

Project background

This position is part of the ERC-funded project “Respires: Reconstructing the Effect of Sulfide Respiration on Global Redox State”. The project strives to resolve the controls on—and reconstruct past changes in—pyrite mineral weathering, a major process that governs atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Specifically, we will study this process using innovative “triple” oxygen isotope compositions of sulfate—the main product of pyrite weathering—from a suite of global rivers. We will determine how these signals relate to geologic and climatic factors such as bedrock type, erosion rate, and precipitation amount. Our ultimate goal is to better interpret how pyrite weathering has changed in the geologic past, including its role in the evolution of life and the rise of atmospheric oxygen.

Job description

You will be responsible for the modern global weathering aspects, with the specific duties:

  • Collect water and dissolved sulfate samples from several major global rivers (some from archived material, others during new fieldwork campaigns)
  • Extract sulfate from these samples to analyze their sulfur- and oxygen-isotope signatures (17O and 18O)
  • Elucidate how geology, geomorphology, and climate regulate pyrite weathering within these river basins
  • Determine the global pyrite weathering isotope signal and reconstruct how this process has evolved through time
  • Communicate these findings, write scientific papers, and participate in international conferences and workshops

This position is integral to the “sulfur-cycle” research team—which includes 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher—within the larger SEE group. You will therefore lead these tasks but will be supported by the PI and postdoc. This multidisciplinary team offers the opportunity to learn, develop, and apply scientific skills beyond traditional isotope geochemistry!

Your profile

Required experience, skills, and characteristics:

  • MSc degree
  • Isotope geochemistry background
  • Experience with field sampling and chemical laboratory analyses
  • Proficiency in English
  • Excellent teamwork and communication in a cross-cultural environment
  • Ability to work independently with flexibility, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn new skills!

Desirable criteria:

  • Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) software
  • Scientific programming abilities
  • Curiosity to develop, update, and optimize mass-spectrometry methods and tools in a "hands-on" way!
Your workplace
We offer

We offer excellent, inclusive working conditions and an internationally competitive salary (paid according to ). Our laboratories are located in downtown Zurich and the working language is English. The start date will ideally be between 1 September and 1 November 2022. The position is temporary for 4 years.

We value diversity
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 to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Veröffentlicht am

29-02-2024

Extra Informationen

Status
Inaktiv
Standort
Zürich
Jobart
Werkstudentenstelle
Tätigkeitsbereich
Technik / Elektronik
Führerschein erforderlich?
Nein
Auto erforderlich?
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Motivationsschreiben erforderlich?
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Zürich | Technik Stellenangebote | Werkstudentenstelle