PhD Position on Soil Biogeochemical Dynamics of Alpine Catchments

PhD Position on Soil Biogeochemical Dynamics of Alpine Catchments
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We seek a PhD student to study the effects of soil redistribution on biogeochemical fluxes as well as carbon and nutrient storage in Swiss alpine catchments with contrasting geological background. This position is integral to an interdisciplinary research team, which includes 3 PhD students across groups at ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne.

Project background
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Mountain regions are hotspots of contemporary environmental change where the interactions between climate, parent material, topography, and biota create key ecosystem services related to the cycling and storage of carbon in soil. Yet, our ability to quantify and predict soil carbon stocks and lateral fluxes across such highly heterogeneous landscapes is still limited. By integrating field monitoring, soil biogeochemical analysis, and numerical modeling of coupled ecohydrological and geomorphological processes, we will evaluate the dynamics of lateral soil carbon redistribution across environmentally complex and geochemically distinct landscapes.

The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary SNSF-funded project that is motivated by the urgent need for a better understanding of biogeochemical fluxes in alpine catchments where eco-hydrological conditions are changing rapidly due to climate change. The project is a joint collaboration between EPFL (Sara Bonnetti), ETH Zürich (ETHZ, Sebastian Doetterl), University of Lausanne (UNIL, Stuart Lane, Nadav Peleg), and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL, Katrin Meusburger), with a team encompassing (eco)hydrologists, soil scientists, and geomorphologists.

Job description
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The PhD student will be responsible for the soil physical and biogeochemical characterization of soils at the catchment scale and assess erosional soil fluxes using radionuclide assessment approaches, with the specific duties:

Participate in the setup and maintenance of field soil and plant sampling
Assess soil fluxes
Analyze soil organic matter sources, quality and stabilization
Determine shifts in soil nutrient cycling between soils
Elucidate the role of secondary minerals in regulating soil organic carbon content
Communicate scientific findings, and write peer-reviewed scientific papers

Profile
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Must haves:

MSc degree in Soil Science, Environmental science or related field
Experience with soil sampling and physicochemical laboratory analyses
Willingness to travel to and conduct field work in remote alpine catchments 
Fluent proficiency in English (Toefl C1 or higher)
Excellent teamwork and communication for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment 
Ability to work independently and critical thinking 

Assets:

Background in soil biogeochemistry or soil genesis 
Experience with soil flux measurements using radionuclides
Knowledge of German or French is an asset.

We offer
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A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH
A friendly, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment spread across the ETH Earth and Planetary Science and Environmental Systems Science departments
An impactful research topic in a rapidly developing field
Top of the line laboratory setup
Freedom to co-design and develop research ideas beyond the original project setup

Placement of position within the ETH domain 

The position is placed within the ETH Zurich Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), in close collaboration with Dr. Katrin Meusburger from WSL who work on the effects of soil degradation and soil development on plant-soil-atmosphere C dynamics. Our laboratories and offices are located in downtown Zurich with greenhouse facilities available also at ETH’s agricultural research station at Eschikon, ZH).
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich (https://ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/working-teaching-and-research.html)

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

Curious? So are we.
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Start date will ideally be between 1 April 2025 and 1 June 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application until 31.01.2025 including: 

Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing your interests, goals, and how they relate to the position (in English) 
Curriculum Vitae including educational history, any publications, awards, etc. (4 pages maximum) (In English) 
Names and contact details of three references
BSc and MSc transcripts (in English or German) 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by 15.02.2025. We exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered. For more information, please contact [email protected].

About ETH Zürich
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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.