PhD Position in Atmospheric Chemistry

The Atmospheric Chemistry group at the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science (IAC) – ETH Zurich invites applications for a 4-year PhD position on “Exploring the lifecycle and climate effects of absorbing aerosol from fires”.

The Atmospheric Chemistry group at ETH conducts research exploring the processes controlling tropospheric composition (gases and particles) and their intersection with global change. Research makes extensive use of global modeling tools (GEOS-Chem and CESM) and analysis of large observational datasets.

In many regions of the world, wildfire frequency and extent are increasing, driven by climate change. These fires emit a range of gas and particle phase compounds. These include absorbing organic aerosol, so called brown carbon (BrC). Fires also emit gas-phase compounds that can chemically transform to form absorbing BrC particles. The lifecycle and characteristics of atmospheric BrC are highly uncertain. These components of smoke may also constitute an important missing contribution to aerosol warming that is missing from the current generation of climate models. The goal of this PhD project will be to develop new 3D model schemes to represent the lifecycle of BrC, and explore how its abundance and radiative impacts have evolved over time.

The doctoral student will develop skills in atmospheric chemistry, global modeling, data analysis of field and satellite observations. In addition, the student will have opportunities to develop their skills in scientific communication through presentations at conferences and writing scientific papers as well as in management by co-supervising bachelor and master thesis. The project will be supervised by Prof. Colette Heald.

• Applicants should hold an MSc degree in atmospheric science, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline (awarded prior to the PhD start date)
• The candidate will have experience in atmospheric chemistry, ideally with regional or global modeling
• Strong programming skills are desirable
• Good knowledge of English (spoken and written) is essential

Employment will be according to standard regulations at ETH (funding secured for 4 years). The projected start date is September 2025 but can be earlier or later upon mutual agreement.

Our group is composed of researchers from around the world and offers a friendly and supportive environment, with English as our working language. Researchers in the group work on a wide range of topics and are exposed to each others’ work through biweekly group meetings. Additionally, the student will be supported through regular one-on-one meetings with Prof. Heald. The group is part of the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science which hosts a seminar series. The group is located at ETH’s central campus.