PhD in role of biogenic macromolecules for ice nucleation of fertile soils in Zürich

The Atmospheric Physics group at ETH Zurich (IAC-ETH) invites applications for a 3–3.5-year PhD position funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project “The role of particle size, organic matter, and freezing mode for ice nucleation on mineral and soil dusts”. The project has a total of 3 PhD positions that will closely collaborate.

Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) represent only a tiny fraction of the atmospheric aerosol, but they are key actors in cloud processes including precipitation formation, as they initiate the ice phase in clouds. Although mineral dusts are probably the most important and best established type of atmospheric INPs, there are still major unknowns that preclude a reliable prediction of ice crystals forming on them. Different factors have been identified that influence their freezing temperatures. Apart from the mineral type, these are particle size, interactions with solutes and water, adsorption of organic molecules, and freezing mode. Yet, some of these factors do not seem to matter in general, but only for some mineral types. Therefore, attempts to generalize them to all types of mineral INPs produce conflicting results.

Our group has longstanding experience in the investigation of atmospheric INPs and a history of developing cloud chambers and cold-stage experiments, among them the microfluidic device MINCZ, the drop freezing assay DRINCZ and the continuous flow diffusion chamber HINC. Moreover, a broad range of analytical techniques for aerosol characterization are available in our group and at ETH Zurich.

• Measurement of the IN activity of collected soil dust samples with MINCZ and DRINCZ.
• Analysis of the soil dusts with respect to mineralogical composition (XRD) and surface area (BET).
• Thermogravimetric and spectroscopic analysis of the soil dusts to infer the composition of the organic matter.
• Measurement of the ice nucleation activity of macromolecules such as cellulose, lignin, and proteins with MINCZ and DRINCZ.
• Correlation of the ice nucleation activity of the collected soil dust samples with their composition. Interpretation of the results.

• A MSc (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, engineering, atmospheric/environmental sciences, or a related field
• Knowledge of oral and written English is required
• Knowledge of aerosol measurement techniques and data analysis in Igor, MATLAB, Python or similar software is highly desired.

We are looking for a highly motivated, committed, and creative person.

• Training in teaching via teaching assitassistantships
• Support for career development during the later stage of PhD via regular assessments and promotion of networking through conferences and project meetings
• Support programs e.g. mentoring of bachelor and master students
• Culturally and gender diverse team at all levels (students and senior staff) with flexible working hours and home office (where possible) to accommodate diverse team needs
• Excellent funding, infrastructure and working environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment

In line with , 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.