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 invites applications for a postdoctoral position in geobiology, funded by an SNF project.

This interdisciplinary project combines microbiology with isotope geochemistry to study the formation, preservation, and alteration of biosignatures preserved in sedimentary pyrite. Microbial metabolisms involving sulfur are considered extremely ancient and thus may have played an important role in shaping the surface chemistry of early Earth. These ancient metabolic reactions are known to leave stable isotopic signatures in byproducts (HS- and H2S) that are subsequently involved in forming Fe-S minerals, notably pyrite. These isotopic fingerprints allow us to trace their origin and extent in modern environments. This project aims to investigate the fractionation of S isotopes in microbial cultures under controlled conditions and environmental samples.

This work will lead to a more detailed understanding of the microbial and/or environmental variables that control the isotopic composition of sulfur in sedimentary pyrite throughout the geologic record.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.01.2025 / to be agreed

Contract length : 2 years, non-renewable

Activity rate : 100%

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

Your responsibilities

In your activities, you will have to :

• Prepare samples including organic and inorgani sulfur extractions


• Run analyses on EA and IRMS


• Provide some general maintenance of these instruments


• Train students in methods used in isotope geochemistry


• Assist in fieldwork of PhD students

Your qualifications

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

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  Ph.D. in geochemistry, geobiology or a related field (compulsory).

  
  


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  A strong background in stable isotope geochemistry with previous experience in geochemical techniques and sulfur isotope analyses (e.g. chemical extractions, HPLC, EA-IRMS) is required.

  
  


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  Previous experience in microbiology would be an advantage.

  
  


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  Good written and spoken English is required. A working knowledge of French is not required initially, but the successful candidate will need to acquire sufficient skills by the end of the first year to be able to assist with practical work

  
  

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Any question can be directed to Prof. Johanna Marin-Carbonne (E-Mail schreiben) and Prof. Jasmine Berg (E-Mail schreiben).

Your application

Deadline : 15.11.2024

Please send your applications which should include (1) a detailed curriculum vitae, (2) a one page statement of research interest and (3) names and contact details of three potential references in a single pdf file. Please also mention your preferred starting date in the cover letter.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite

UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus