Fully Funded PhD in Planetary Science and Geophysics at University of Geneva and ETH Zürich University of Geneva in Switzerland

Fully funded PhD opportunity in Planetary Science, Geophysics, Astronomy, and Earth Sciences at the University of Geneva in collaboration with ETH Zürich. The project is part of the NCCR Genesis Programme and focuses on how rocky planets evolve over billions of years, especially how a planet’s interior and atmosphere interact over deep time.

The research will involve advanced numerical modelling of coupled planetary evolution, integrating the G-PCM climate model with the StagYY mantle convection code. The work bridges climate science, geophysics, exoplanet research, geodynamics, and computational geophysics, and includes regular collaboration with ETH Zürich’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Group.

Supervision is by Prof. Emeline Bolmont and Prof. Paul Tackley. The position is based at the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland, with regular visits to ETH Zürich.

Funding is provided for a 4-year PhD with a gross salary of about 55,000 CHF/year. This is a fully funded doctoral opening rather than a scholarship programme.

Eligibility: applicants should hold or be close to completing an MSc in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or a related field. Strong programming skills are essential.

Application materials mentioned in the post include a 2-page CV, MSc details, a one-page motivation letter, and two referees whose recommendation letters are sent separately. Applications are reviewed until the position is filled, so candidates should apply promptly.