PhD position in the microbial geochemistry of methane and nitrous oxide emissions

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST) at the University of Lausanne is opening one part-time Graduate Assistant position in the Micro-biogeochemistry Lab. Our lab specializes in the application of interdisciplinary approaches – borrowing methods from the fields of biology, geology, and chemistry – to solve complex environmental questions related to biogeochemical cycling. The team is housed within a highly collaborative network of working groups in the biogeosciences and values both positive professional and social dynamics.

Job information

Expected start date: 1 February 2025 or upon agreement

Contract length: 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years (total maximum 5 years)

Activity rate: 80%

Workplace: Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment (FGSE), University of Lausanne

Your responsibilities

The aim of the project is to study overlooked processes in methane and nitrous oxide cycling in various ecosystems in Switzerland, ranging from eutrophic lakes to alpine lichens.

The candidate will take an interdisciplinary approach combing field work with laboratory experiments, borrowing techniques from chemistry, geology, biology, and molecular biology. Example approaches used may include monitoring gas production in situ using portable flux chambers, laboratory incubation experiments, DNA and RNA sequencing and analysis, gas chromatography and stable isotope analyses, wet chemistry, and microscopy.

The successful candidate will also be involved in the supervision of MSc and bachelor’s students on various topics in the biogeosciences, possibly in collaboration with local and cantonal organizations. Some teaching assistance of both practical and theoretical courses in French will be expected starting at the latest in the second year. Contribution up to 25% towards teaching and other institutional activities.

Your qualifications

In order to complete our team, we are looking for someone with the following skills : 

• 
  

  MSc degree in environmental sciences, microbiology, chemistry or a related domain.

  
  


• 
  

  Comfortable with fieldwork in difficult terrain

  
  


• 
  

  Enthusiasm for teaching and transmission of knowledge to junior researchers and students

  
  


• 
  

  Familiar with or willingness to learn field and laboratory techniques in geochemistry

  
  


• 
  

  Skilled in R, Matlab, or some other data-processing program

  
  


• 
  

  Excellent written and spoken English skills. It is expected that progress in spoken French will be made during the PhD.

  
  


• 
  

  Able to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

  
  

What the position offers you

We offer a stimulating position in a highly international and interdisciplinary environment. Our lab is located on the University of Lausanne campus, with immediate access to Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and a rich cultural life.

Contact for further information

Prof. Jasmine Berg

E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : 15.12.2024

We look forward to receiving your online application in a single PDF file including the following documents:

• a curriculum vitae


• a research statement (max 1 page) highlighting previous relevant experiences and your scientific interest in this project


• copy of relevant university degree certificates


• contact information for two professional references.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

unil.ch/egalite
unil.ch/familles
unil.ch/graduatecampus