PhD position: Trace element cycling at the oxic-anoxic interface of redox-stratified lakes

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Throughout most of Earth’s history, aquatic environments were characterized by limited availability of oxygen and by elevated concentrations of certain trace elements (e.g. Fe, Mn). These metals are essential for life and are also centrally integrated into the biogeochemical cycling of major and minor elements. Modern redox-stratified systems, where deep waters have limited oxygen and elevated metal concentrations, provide an opportunity to mechanistically assess the roles played by these metals in biogeochemical cycling. The goal of the project is to constrain the biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese in Lake Zug (Switzerland) – a lake with anoxic deep waters that have unique chemical signatures. This project will focus on the causes for these unique signatures, the redox cycling of Mn in the lake, and the impacts of Fe and Mn on the biogeochemical cycling of major elements (e.g. C, N). This position will involve fieldwork and collaboration with physicists, microbiologists, and biogeochemists conducting cutting-edge research on physico-biogeochemical cycling.

Project background

Trace elements and their isotopes act as essential micronutrients, toxins, and tracers of biological and geochemical processes across spatial and temporal scales. The cycles of trace elements are therefore inherently tied to cycling of major elements (e.g. C, N, P, O, S) and to large scale global changes. The Aquatic Geochemistry group conducts research on these metals to understand nutrient fluxes and retention in systems, biogeochemical cycling of major and minor elements, and to better constrain connections between global climate, O2 availability, and biological productivity throughout Earth’s history.

The group offers a collaborative research environment, with the department of surface waters, to conduct cutting edge analytical research and to collaborate across disciplines. The group values personal and professional development, and encourages this through training courses, collaborative opportunities, and integration within the Surface Waters department and the larger Eawag Kastanienbaum community.

Job description

This PhD position will include field and laboratory components. You will be responsible for planning and conducting field sampling for dissolved, particulate, and sediment samples. Laboratory components will include preparing trace element samples in the lab, analysis by ICP-MS, and metal speciation, as well as incubation experiments. You are expected to work well in teams as well as independently and to be able to coordinate with others for efficient and successful field sampling. Fieldwork will be primarily in Switzerland, but may also include international trips. The position will require you to collaborate well with researchers at other Swiss institutions, and some analyses will take place at Eawag Dübendorf.

Your profile

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with:

• A MSc degree in Earth or Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, or a similar field
• Practical and theoretical knowledge and experience in quantitative aquatic or environmental chemistry, analysis, and biogeochemical cycling. Experience in trace element analysis is an asset.
• Experience conducting fieldwork and/or a willingness learn how to conduct fieldwork
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in working both independently and collaboratively, and good communication skills
• Proven experience (i.e. publications and presentations) or demonstrated potential in effective scientific communication

Suitable candidates should:

• Work as part of a team, and be able to coordinate with other team members for efficient and successful field and lab work
• Be flexible and adaptive
• Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm for aquatic research
• Be prepared to conduct analyses in different Swiss universities and research institutes
• An interest in coupling of physical and biogeochemical processes is highly desirable
• The working language of the position is English. Knowledge of German is beneficial

Your employment will be contracted according to standard regulations at ETH and Eawag (funding secured for 4 years).

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult Eawag and Eawag - Employment .

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant skills, and how you meet the PhD student profile
• Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic qualifications and research experience
• A transcript of academic records/course grades, and proof of a MSc degree
• A PDF copy of the MSc thesis
• Contact information for at least two professional references

Review of applications will begin on 3 January 2024, and we expect to hold interviews in January 2024. The position would start in Spring 2024.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about Department of Surface Waters - Research & Management can be found on our website Department Surface Waters - Research and Management . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. David Janssen, [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

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.