We seek a PhD student to study the effects of Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) applications on biogeochemical cycles, plant growth and soil health with a particular focus on degraded soils in tropical agroecosystems. This position is integral to the research team, which includes 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher across three research groups. 

Motivation

In the light of an intensifying climate crisis and the need for sustainable food production, ERW applications in agricultural systems are discussed as powerful tools for climate mitigation and soil remediation. However, several critical research questions regarding ERW application in an agricultural context remain unanswered, particularly for tropical soils, thus limiting the large-scale implementation.

Project setup 

The advertised position is part of a multidisciplinary ETH-funded project that is motivated by the urgent need for scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions—in addition to emissions reductions—to limit global warming to below 2°C. We will fill these gaps by providing a holistic quantification of CO₂ removal and addressing poorly constrained environmental consequences on biogeochemical cycles in agroecosystems. We will utilize a shared greenhouse experimental setup to assess the impact of ERW on a variety of contrasting (tropical and non-tropical) soils.

This work will be carried out across three groups at ETH Zurich: (i) the Soil Resources group (Prof. Sebastian Doetterl), which works on the effects of soil degradation and soil development on plant-soil-atmosphere C dynamics; (ii) the Surface Earth Evolution group (Prof. Jordon Hemingway), which investigates processes that drive global climate change over human to geologic timescales; and (iii) the Earth Surface Geochemistry group (Dr. Tim Sweere), which aims to understand global biogeochemical cycles at several scales.  

You will be responsible for the soil health and organic carbon aspects of this project, with the specific duties: 

• Participate in the setup and maintenance of all plant growth experiments 
• Analyze soil microbial community compositions 
• Determine shifts in soil nutrient and toxic element cycling between plants and soil
• Study the impact of rock powder on plant growth 
• Elucidate the role of secondary minerals in regulating soil organic carbon content 
• Communicate scientific findings, and write peer-reviewed scientific papers 

Required experience, skills, and characteristics: 

• MSc degree in Soil Science, Environmental science, Agronomy, or related field
• Experience with soil sampling and physicochemical laboratory analyses 
• Fluent proficiency in English (Toefl C1 or higher)
• Excellent communication for an interdisciplinary and intercultural work environment 
• Ability to work independently and critical thinking

Desirable criteria:

• Willingness to travel to tropical Eastern and central Africa 
• Background in soil biogeochemistry or soil genesis
• Experience with greenhouse plant growth trials
• Knowledge of the German language

• A full-time 4-year PhD position at ETH with conditions and benefits defined here 
• A friendly, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment spread across the ETH Earth and Planetary Science and Environmental Systems Science departments
• A competitive salary (paid according to ETH standards)
• An impactful research topic in a rapidly developing field 
• Top-of-the-line laboratory setups
• Freedom to co-design and develop research ideas beyond the original project setup 

Placement of position at ETH Zurich 

The position is based in the Soil Resources group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Our laboratories and offices are located in downtown Zurich with greenhouse facilities at ETH’s agricultural research station at Eschikon, ZH.

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.

Start date will ideally be between 1 April 2025 and 1 June 2025. We look forward to receiving your online application until 31.01.2025. Applications should include: 

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing your interests, goals, and how they relate to the position (in English) 
• Curriculum Vitae including educational history, any publications, awards, etc. (4 pages maximum) (In English) 
• Names and contact details of three references 
• BSc and MSc transcripts (in English or German) 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview by 15.02.2024. We exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered. For more information, please contact sdoetterl@usys.ethz.ch.

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.