Doctorate in Geology/Geochronology

ETH Zurich’s Department of Earth Sciences is seeking a doctoral candidate for research on the timing and evolution of Permian magmatism in the Southern Alps and the calibration of early-middle Permian climate and ecosystem changes. The project will be developed as part of a multidisciplinary collaboration led by partners at ETH Zurich and the Museum of Nature South Tyrol (Italy).

Application deadline: application open until suitable candidates are found. Review of applications from 13 November 2023.

Starting date: January 2024 (negotiable).

Duration of appointment: 4 years.

The fully funded doctoral position will form part of the SNSF-South Tyrol project CALDERA: Decline of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age and its consequences for tropical terrestrial ecosystems aimed at exploiting the rich archive of Permian magmatism, and terrestrial biotic and climate change recorded in the Southern Alps. The multidisciplinary project will involve specialists in geochemistry, petrology, geochronology, stratigraphy, and palaeontology and will (1) generate a comprehensive, temporally constrained record of early Permian climate and ecosystem change in terrestrial environments, (2) define the temporal, spatial, and geochemical development of a voluminous magmatic episode whose products are found regionally across the southern Alps and include at least two large caldera systems. The ETH partners will work closely with the entire group but focus specifically on providing the absolute temporal framework of the study through high-precision geochronology, as well as on developing an understanding of the origin of the magmas.

You will apply a range of cutting-edge analytical methods to study the development of large magmatic systems, with a particular focus on nested caldera complexes. The project will involve extensive field work in the Alps, geochemical characterisation, and high-precision geochronology on a range of volcanic and plutonic rocks, to arrive at an integrated model for the temporal and spatial development of the magmatism at a range of scales (regional to caldera complex-scale). The geochronology effort will be additionally applied to the results of stratigraphic and paleontological surveys led by our project partners to place their findings in an absolute time framework. This will allow correlation to other records worldwide and a better understanding of the period of climate change associated with the decline of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age.

You will be part of the Mineral Resource Systems group of Prof. Cyril Chelle-Michou, with ample opportunities to exchange with a range of experts within the Department of Earth Sciences representing fields ranging from cosmochemistry to climate geology. 

We are seeking candidates with the following interests, skills, and expertise: 

• Master’s degree in Earth Science, geology, geochemistry, petrology, chemistry or similar
• Willingness to work across various disciplines of Earth Science
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, with flexibility and critical thinking
• Motivated to work with data, develop quantitative approaches
• Good command of English (oral and written)

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of German or Italian
• Familiarity with field work in volcanic terrains
• Familiarity with working in a clean lab environment and with mass spectrometry

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits. As a doctoral student you can expect training opportunites and strong perspective for career development. The MineRS group is commited to a strong communication and feedback culture, mutual support and collaboration.