Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems. The Department Water Resources and Drinking Water (W+T) invites applications for

2 PhD student positions in environmental soil chemistry (m/f/d)

About the project: The two 4-year PhD student positions are part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). This project involves 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher working together with scientists at Eawag and ETH Zurich. The aim is to assess trace element dynamics in periodically waterlogged soils under current and future climatic conditions.

One PhD project will focus on Tl and As in naturally Tl- or As-rich soils, the other on Cu, Pb and Cd in anthropogenically contaminated calcareous soils. In a first part, both projects will address how seasonal variations in temperature and other factors affect rates and extents of soil reduction and trace element mobilization into pore water upon flooding. This includes an exploratory part on links to microbial community structure. In a second part, one PhD student will focus on identifying and quantifying the mechanisms of Tl release and the factors governing As release from waterlogged soils. The other PhD student will focus on coupled Cu, Cd and Pb dynamics under sulfate-reducing conditions, namely the competitive formation of poorly soluble metal sulfides and the mobility of metal sulfide colloids in soils.
Both PhD projects involve extensive field sampling, laboratory microcosm studies, and the use of state-of-the-art (e.g., ICP-MS, XRF) and advanced techniques (e.g., XAS, STEM) for the analysis of water, colloid and soil samples. For synchrotron X-ray analyses, the PhD students will collaborate with the postdoctoral researcher.
We are looking for two motivated PhD students to work on the following tasks:

• Organize and perform regular field sampling campaigns in Switzerland.
• Design and carry out demanding laboratory experiments and biogeochemical analyses.
• Perform synchrotron X-ray analyses for trace element speciation in soils.
• Explore and quantify trace element release mechanisms and controlling factors.

Within the framework of the project, you will have opportunities to investigate your own creative ideas and to closely collaborate with each other as well as with other partners at Eawag, ETH Zurich and other institutions. An essential part of your work will consist of writing up your results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and communicating your findings to partners and at international conferences. Furthermore, it is expected that you manage regular project meetings and that you take part in some teaching activities at ETH Zurich.
Requirements. The successful candidates will have a MSc degree in environmental or Earth sciences, (bio)geochemistry, soil chemistry, or a similar field. A keen interest in deeply understanding biogeochemical processes and mechanisms is essential. A strong foundation in data analysis as well a high level of awareness of the importance of accuracy and precision in laboratory work are expected. Fluent communication and writing skills in English are mandatory as well as the eagerness to collaborate in a team. The capability to think critically and work independently and a pronounced sense of reliability and self-organization is important.
Employment and PhD studies. Both PhD students will be employed at Eawag as members of the research group Molecular Environmental Geochemistry in the Department Water Resources and Drinking Water. Part of the work will be carried out at the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics at ETH Zurich. Both students will be enrolled in the doctoral student program of the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Your work will be supervised by Dr Andreas Voegelin (Eawag) and Dr Iso Christl(ETH Zurich) and supported by several project partners; Prof Lenny Winkel (ETH Zurich) will serve as your PhD thesis advisor.
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.
Applications should include a letter explaining your motivation for applying and detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for the position as well as a CV, copies of BSc and MSc educational records, and name and contact details of two references. Copies of MSc and BSc theses will be considered in application review if provided in electronic form. Review of applications will start on 1 February 2025, and will continue until the positions are filled. The successful candidates should start no later than Fall 2025.
For further information, please contact Dr Andreas Voegelin by email (no applications).
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage; any other way of applying will not be considered. Clicking on the button below will take you directly to the application form. Apply now