Two PhD positions in atmospheric selenium research: field & lab analyses and process-based modeling 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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Two PhD positions in atmospheric selenium research: field & lab analyses and process-based modeling
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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We are seeking two highly motivated and curious PhD students 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.
Project background
We are looking for two 4-year PhD students to join a new Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded project. The
goal is to improve our understanding of how the essential micronutrient selenium (Se) cycles through the atmosphere,
from emissions, chemical transformations and transport to deposition. The project will integrate field sampling, lab
analyses, and computational atmospheric modeling to further investigate the role of the atmosphere in the global
biogeochemical cycle of Se. As selenium is chemically similar to the major nutrient sulfur (S), the project will also
aim at sulfur and compare the environmental pathways of both elements.
The global biogeochemical cycles of trace elements that affect human health are increasingly understood to involve the
atmosphere. One key example is selenium, an important antioxidant. Understanding and quantifying the atmospheric
transport and chemical form of selenium is vital because it determines its ultimate fate in our surface environments
and, most importantly, its impact on human health.
If you are passionate about environmental and atmospheric sciences and want to contribute to our understanding of this
critical element, these positions could be a great fit.
Job description
The two projects we offer are closely linked: one project (A) focuses on field sampling and lab analyses, and the
other (B) on modeling.
Project A: This project will focus on designing and conducting field sampling campaigns across all seasons in urban,
mountainous, and marine environments. Your goal is to collect both wet (rain, hail, snow) and dry (aerosol) deposition
samples. Upon collecting the samples, you will perform lab analyses to determine the total elemental composition and
elemental speciation of various chemical compounds using ICP-MS based methods, as well as other chemical analyses. A
core part of your project will be interpreting the data and developing scientific hypotheses about the atmospheric
processes that control the cycling of selenium and other trace elements. You will work in close collaboration with the
other PhD student (Project B).
Project B: This project will center on atmospheric modeling of selenium, specifically by extending our global selenium
cycling model, which is part of the ICON-ART (ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic – Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases) modeling
system. The goal is to better understand the environmental pathways of selenium - from its emission from marine and
terrestrial sources, through its chemical transformation in the atmosphere, and finally to its deposition as wet or
aerosol particles. You will also use statistical inference methods for hypothesis testing. By the end of the project,
you will create maps of atmospheric Se inputs to the Earth's surface and predict how Se deposition patterns might
change under future climate and emission scenarios. A crucial component will be to validate your model results using
existing atmospheric measurements and new data gathered within Project A, working in close collaboration with the other
PhD student.
Both projects: Within the framework of the project, you will have opportunities to investigate your own creative ideas
and to closely collaborate with partners at ETH Zurich and other institutions. A critical part of your work will
involve publishing your results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting your findings at international conferences.
Additionally, you will be expected to organize regular project meetings and participate in some teaching activities at
ETH Zurich.
Profile
Project A: You have a MSc degree in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, environmental sciences or a related field,
with a strong interest in chemical analyses. You are passionate about field work and feel comfortable about working
outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions during intense sampling campaigns. You bring a high level of
appreciation for the accuracy and precision in lab analysis. Ideally you have some experience in working with ICP-MS or
other Mass Spectrometry techniques.
Project B: You have a MSc degree in atmospheric or climate sciences, environmental or Earth sciences, physics,
computational sciences or a closely related discipline with a strong interest in numerical and quantitative science.
You bring strong programming skills with languages like Fortran, C, R or Python. Prior experience in the field of
process-based modeling, e.g., climate modeling, is an asset.
For both projects, fluent communication and writing skills in English are mandatory. The ideal candidates are
self-driven, think critically and are excited to collaborate within our diverse, interdisciplinary team.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Training opportunities with leading experts in chemical analytics of trace elements, 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.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
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
Please state clearly if you are applying for project A or B. The positions stay 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 Prof. Lenny Winkel, email lwinkel@ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
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.
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.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
We are seeking two highly motivated and curious PhD students 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.
Project background
We are looking for two 4-year PhD students to join a new Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded project. The
goal is to improve our understanding of how the essential micronutrient selenium (Se) cycles through the atmosphere,
from emissions, chemical transformations and transport to deposition. The project will integrate field sampling, lab
analyses, and computational atmospheric modeling to further investigate the role of the atmosphere in the global
biogeochemical cycle of Se. As selenium is chemically similar to the major nutrient sulfur (S), the project will also
aim at sulfur and compare the environmental pathways of both elements.
The global biogeochemical cycles of trace elements that affect human health are increasingly understood to involve the
atmosphere. One key example is selenium, an important antioxidant. Understanding and quantifying the atmospheric
transport and chemical form of selenium is vital because it determines its ultimate fate in our surface environments
and, most importantly, its impact on human health.
If you are passionate about environmental and atmospheric sciences and want to contribute to our understanding of this
critical element, these positions could be a great fit.
Job description
The two projects we offer are closely linked: one project (A) focuses on field sampling and lab analyses, and the
other (B) on modeling.
Project A: This project will focus on designing and conducting field sampling campaigns across all seasons in urban,
mountainous, and marine environments. Your goal is to collect both wet (rain, hail, snow) and dry (aerosol) deposition
samples. Upon collecting the samples, you will perform lab analyses to determine the total elemental composition and
elemental speciation of various chemical compounds using ICP-MS based methods, as well as other chemical analyses. A
core part of your project will be interpreting the data and developing scientific hypotheses about the atmospheric
processes that control the cycling of selenium and other trace elements. You will work in close collaboration with the
other PhD student (Project B).
Project B: This project will center on atmospheric modeling of selenium, specifically by extending our global selenium
cycling model, which is part of the ICON-ART (ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic – Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases) modeling
system. The goal is to better understand the environmental pathways of selenium - from its emission from marine and
terrestrial sources, through its chemical transformation in the atmosphere, and finally to its deposition as wet or
aerosol particles. You will also use statistical inference methods for hypothesis testing. By the end of the project,
you will create maps of atmospheric Se inputs to the Earth's surface and predict how Se deposition patterns might
change under future climate and emission scenarios. A crucial component will be to validate your model results using
existing atmospheric measurements and new data gathered within Project A, working in close collaboration with the other
PhD student.
Both projects: Within the framework of the project, you will have opportunities to investigate your own creative ideas
and to closely collaborate with partners at ETH Zurich and other institutions. A critical part of your work will
involve publishing your results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting your findings at international conferences.
Additionally, you will be expected to organize regular project meetings and participate in some teaching activities at
ETH Zurich.
Profile
Project A: You have a MSc degree in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, environmental sciences or a related field,
with a strong interest in chemical analyses. You are passionate about field work and feel comfortable about working
outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions during intense sampling campaigns. You bring a high level of
appreciation for the accuracy and precision in lab analysis. Ideally you have some experience in working with ICP-MS or
other Mass Spectrometry techniques.
Project B: You have a MSc degree in atmospheric or climate sciences, environmental or Earth sciences, physics,
computational sciences or a closely related discipline with a strong interest in numerical and quantitative science.
You bring strong programming skills with languages like Fortran, C, R or Python. Prior experience in the field of
process-based modeling, e.g., climate modeling, is an asset.
For both projects, fluent communication and writing skills in English are mandatory. The ideal candidates are
self-driven, think critically and are excited to collaborate within our diverse, interdisciplinary team.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Training opportunities with leading experts in chemical analytics of trace elements, 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.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
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. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
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
Please state clearly if you are applying for project A or B. The positions stay 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 Prof. Lenny Winkel, email lwinkel@ethz.ch (no applications).
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
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.
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.