Are you passionate about soil health, groundwater safety, and environmental sustainability? ETH Zurich and Eawag invite applications for two prestigious PhD positions in Environmental Soil Chemistry, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). These positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute cutting-edge research in trace-element dynamics under climate-induced soil changes.
🔬 Research Focus: Soil Chemistry, Climate Change & Toxic Element Mobility
As climate change alters rainfall patterns, redox conditions in soils shift dramatically—impacting the mobility of toxic trace elements like:
- Thallium (Tl)
- Arsenic (As)
- Copper (Cu)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Lead (Pb)
This research aims to improve our understanding of contaminant release in periodically waterlogged soils—a growing concern for safe drinking water, soil remediation, and public health policies.
📌 PhD Research Projects Overview
🧪 Project A – Thallium & Arsenic in Naturally Enriched Soils
Investigate how seasonal redox changes mobilize Tl and As, using high-resolution geochemical and microbial analyses.
🧪 Project B – Copper, Lead & Cadmium in Contaminated Calcareous Soils
Analyze metal-sulfide interactions and colloid transport under sulfate-reducing conditions.
Both projects feature synchrotron beamtime for advanced X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), with access to top European particle accelerator facilities.
🔍 Key Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Lead field sampling campaigns in Swiss floodplains and agricultural lands.
- Use ICP-MS and XRF for trace-metal analysis in soil, water, and colloids.
- Conduct synchrotron-based XAS to determine oxidation states and binding environments.
- Develop speciation and redox kinetics models using R, Python, or MATLAB.
- Publish in top journals like Environmental Science & Technology and Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.
- Present at leading global conferences (e.g., Goldschmidt, EGU).
- Contribute to ETH Zurich’s Environmental Systems Science curriculum through mentoring or teaching.
👩🔬 Candidate Requirements
- MSc degree in Environmental Sciences, Geochemistry, Soil Chemistry, or a related field.
- Proficiency in analytical chemistry, geochemical modeling, and data analysis tools (R, Python, or MATLAB).
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in lab and field settings.
- Strong communication skills in English (German is a plus).
- Motivation to work in interdisciplinary teams with high autonomy.
🎓 Why Choose ETH Zurich & Eawag?
- Access to world-class research infrastructure and supercomputing facilities.
- Fully funded by SNSF, including salary (~CHF 48,000–53,000/year), research expenses, and conference travel.
- Family-friendly, inclusive, and diverse academic culture.
- Live in one of the most scenic and secure countries in the world, with excellent public transport, work-life balance, and outdoor recreation.
High-traffic keywords:
PhD in Switzerland, environmental consulting careers, study in Europe free tuition, soil contamination research, PhD salary Switzerland, toxic metals health effects.
📅 Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF including:
- Motivation letter (highlight your research interests and relevant skills)
- CV
- Transcripts of BSc and MSc
- Contact details for two academic referees
- (Optional) MSc/BSc thesis in electronic format
👉 Apply now via the official portal:
https://apply.refline.ch/673277/1229/index.html?cid=1&lang=en
Review Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly recommended.
Start Date: Preferred start is September 2025 (negotiable).
Contact for Informal Inquiry:
Dr. Andreas Voegelin – 📧 Andreas.Voegelin@eawag.ch
(No applications via email)
🌐 Summary: Kickstart Your Environmental Research Career in Switzerland
Join a globally connected team at ETH Zurich and Eawag, explore emerging challenges in soil biogeochemistry, and make a real-world impact on environmental policy and sustainability. These PhD positions provide the perfect platform to grow your academic career while contributing to a cleaner, safer world.