PhD position: Examining the thresholds in past Atlantic ocean circulation using stalagmite geochemistry

Organisation/Company

ETH Zürich

Research Field

Environmental science » Earth science
Environmental science » Other
Geography » Other
Physics » Acoustics
Physics » Applied physics
Physics » Biophysics
Physics » Chemical physics
Physics » Computational physics
Physics » Condensed matter properties
Physics » Electromagnetism
Physics » Mathematical physics
Physics » Optics
Physics » Quantum mechanics
Physics » Solid state physics
Physics » Thermodynamics
Physics » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

21 Jun 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)

Country

Switzerland

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

PhD position: Examining the thresholds in past Atlantic ocean circulation using stalagmite geochemistry

If you are intruigued by study of past climate, enjoy having your hands on samples in the lab and generating new geochemical data, and are a quantitative thinker, you might be interested in this PhD project. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a major artery of global heat transport affecting European and global climate, which has substantially weakened dozens of times in the last several hundred thousand years and then recovered within centuries to millennial. This PhD position contributes to our ongoing research to diagnose the causes for these abrupt weakenings and the factors which allowed AMOC to recover.  The project is generating new geochemical records from stalagmites which grew in coastal caves, to reconstruct the phasing of changes in the North Atlantic salinity relative to AMOC variations, and interpreting them with the aid of process models and experiments with tracers in atmosphere-ocean general circulation experiments.  

Job description

• As a PhD student, you will plan, generate, and interpret new research data; you will present data to scientific colleagues in workshops and conferences, and you will prepare your research findings for publication in scientific journals 
• You will collaborate with a research team at ETH and at other institutions 
• For the research, you will travel abroad for research stays to conduct U/Th dating of stalagmites, and for training in model-data comparisons 
• Additionally, you will increase your training by taking the required courses (12KP) in disciplinary and transversal skills 
• Finally, a department requirement is that all PhD students must dedicate up to 10% of employment time to service to the department, generally by contributing to department teaching activities; this responsibility also builds communication and management skills of PhD students  

Profile

• You have completed a Master's Degree relevant to Paleoclimate study (e.g Earth Science, or Atmosphere and Climate study in Physics or Geography realm)
• You have prior course experience in paleoclimate
• You have prior course and research experience in geochemistry laboratory analysis, including generating isotopic or trace element data
• You have strong quantitative skills and comfort with coding, and good analytical thinking
• You are committed to working in an interdisciplinary team blending climate modeling, geochemical process models, and new geochemical data
• You have strong skills and committment to growth in academic writing

We offer

This PhD project provides the opportunity to gain a broad training in leading geochemistry laboratory, developing and working with process models, and working with results from general circulation models of climate, as part of an international team working on pioneering methodology.  ETH offers access to outstanding analytical resources with excellent technical support.  Regular co-writing and writing retreats provide support in the challenging tasks of original scientific writing. 

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainabilityIn 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 personal statement describing your motivation for applying for this specific PhD project and detailing how your previous educational and research experiences prepare you well for this project.  This statement should convey sufficient details and anecdotes to communicate your scientific personality. 
• A current CV including any participation in scientific conferences or publications
• A copy of your Masters Degree transcript
• The names and contact information (email) of at least two references who know your qualifications well and who have agreed to be listed.

Further information about the Climate Geology can be found here . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Heather Stoll at heather.stoll@eaps.ethz.ch  (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The first review of applications will close on April 8th. 

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH ZürichETH 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.

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2026/phd-position-examining-the-thr…

Research Field

Environmental science

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Environmental science

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Geography

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ETH Zürich

Country

Switzerland

City

Zurich

Postal Code

8006

Street

Rämistrasse 101

Geofield

City

Zurich

Website

https://ethz.ch/en.html

Postal Code

8006

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Whatsapp
• 
  More share options
  • E-mail
  • Pocket
  • Viadeo
  • Gmail
  • Weibo
  • Blogger
  • Qzone
  • YahooMail