We are seeking a highly motivated and curious Ph.D. student to join the Inorganic Environmental Geochemistry group at ETH Zurich and Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, an interdisciplinary team of researchers studying biogeochemical cycles of trace elements across different environmental compartments. Our mission is to understand and predict environmental distributions of health-impacting trace elements to prevent health hazards, today and in the future. The position is offered in the framework of a recently funded SNSF project with the goal to improve our understanding of the atmospheric cycling of the essential micronutrient selenium (Se) by integrating measurements and a computational atmospheric Se model. Knowing the chemical forms (speciation) of Se in atmospheric wet and dry deposition fluxes is essential because it determines its fate in surface environments, i.e., its mobility, bioavailability for plant uptake and, ultimately, its health impact. This knowledge is key for developing sustainable management strategies to ensure adequate and safe levels of Se, in agricultural systems as well as in other ecosystems.

You will work on the extension of our global atmospheric Se cycling model, integrated into the global modeling system ICON-ART (ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic – Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases), from total Se deposition towards Se speciation. The focus will be on transformation pathways of atmospheric Se compounds that govern the chemical form of Se in aerosol particles and precipitation. An essential component of the project will be the assessment of the model results with atmospheric measurements, as well the use of statistical inference methods for hypothesis testing. Finally the improved model will be used to provide maps of Se speciation in atmospheric inputs to the Earth’s surface, and how these Se deposition patterns may change under future climate and emission pathways.

As the ideal Ph.D. student, you have a master’s degree in atmospheric and/or climate sciences, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, physics, computational sciences or a closely related discipline with a strong interest in numerical and quantitative science. Fluency in English, both verbally and written, and good communication skills are a must, as is experience with a higher programming language (e.g., Fortran, C, R, Python). You are a self-motivated and creative person with critical thinking skills. You like to work as part of an interdisciplinary team, and love to advance your understanding of biogeochemical processes and mechanisms.

• Training opportunities with leading experts in modeling, biogeochemical cycles, and atmospheric processes.
• Support programmes and networking opportunities such as attending international conferences.
• An interdisciplinary research group combining expertise in biogeochemical analytics as well as statistical and mechanistic modeling.
• A supportive working environment that values the well-being of the whole group.
• Flexible working hours and possibility of working from home, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• A competitive Ph.D. salary according to the ETH standard. Funding is secured for 4 years.

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.

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

• a cover letter indicating your motivation for the position
• a CV
• copies of BSc and MSc educational records
• the names of two academic referees

The position stays open until filled.

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 the IEG group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Andrea Stenke,  email [email protected] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

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.