Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

Postdoctoral Position - Biomarker Lipid Application in Soil Profiles

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Earth Ecosystem Dynamics Group (Geological Institute, Department of Earth Sciences) at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher with a keen interest in soil carbon, organic geochemistry, and past environmental changes. This role involves developing subsurface (mineral soil profiles) as geological archives for lipid biomarkers and soil organic matter composition. Your research will contribute to the funded SNSF starting grant project ROOTS (PI: Dr. Cindy De Jonge): Reconstructing Soil Fertility across Time and Space.

Project Background

Soils currently store a significant fraction of the CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere. However, the future capacity of soils to continue this function remains uncertain, as soil fertility may limit the amount of primary production (carbon fixation) and belowground carbon storage. Understanding historical changes in soil fertility and carbon storage can clarify these processes on timescales that exceed experimental approaches (decades to millennia). In this project, you will investigate whether mineral soil columns can serve as geological archives. Specifically, you will evaluate if biomarker profiles reflecting past fertility changes are comparable with bulk organic matter parameters that indicate organic matter source and preservation.

Job Description

• Integrate into the Earth and Ecosystem Dynamics group, collaborating with two PhD students focused on lipid biomarkers for soil fertility.
• Propose innovative research approaches to address the outlined research questions. The group's methodology includes a variety of organic geochemical techniques (GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC-APCI-MS, HPLC-ESI-Orbitrap). Collaboration with the group of Sebastian Doetterl allows for additional soil parameter measurements.
• Assume minor responsibilities for equipment in the organic geochemistry laboratory (manual and automated extraction, GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC-APCI-MS), ensuring the execution of high-quality laboratory work and measurements.
• Generate datasets, draft manuscripts, and finalize documents for peer-reviewed publication in collaboration with the project PI (C. De Jonge).

Profile

• PhD in organic geochemistry or soil science, with preference for experience involving soil cores and/or soil organic matter description and quantification.
• Interest in developing mineral soil columns as geological profiles.
• Ability to work within an international group that values diversity and well-being.
• Availability for up to 24 months between March 2026 and August 2028.

Workplace

As a part of ETH Zurich, you will be contributing to an innovative research environment dedicated to the development of organic geochemistry.

We Offer

• A two-year contract that enables contribution to a groundbreaking avenue in organic geochemistry.
• Financial support for fieldwork and attendance at selected conferences.
• Opportunities to gain teaching experience.
• Inclusion in a small team led by a dedicated PI, promoting diversity and offering flexible working hours, part-time work options, and the possibility of remote work for a healthy work-life balance.
• Membership in the world-class Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich.

We Value Diversity

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we facilitate a fair and enriching environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application. Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities globally specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct knowledge transfer to society, ETH Zurich attracts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate to address global challenges today and in the future.