PhD position: Examining the thresholds in past Atlantic Ocean circulation using stalagmite geochemistry ETH Zürich in Switzerland

This PhD position at ETH Zürich offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the thresholds in past Atlantic Ocean circulation using stalagmite geochemistry. The project focuses on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical component of global heat transport that has experienced abrupt weakenings and recoveries over the past several hundred thousand years. By generating new geochemical records from stalagmites in coastal caves, the research aims to reconstruct changes in North Atlantic salinity and interpret these findings with process models and tracer experiments in atmosphere-ocean general circulation models.

As a PhD student, you will be responsible for planning, generating, and interpreting new research data. You will present your findings at scientific workshops and conferences and prepare them for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Collaboration with a research team at ETH Zürich and other institutions is integral to the project. The role includes travel abroad for research stays, particularly for U/Th dating of stalagmites and training in model-data comparisons. You will also complete required courses (12KP) in disciplinary and transversal skills, and contribute up to 10% of your employment time to departmental teaching activities, enhancing your communication and management skills.

Applicants should have a Master's Degree relevant to paleoclimate studies, such as Earth Science, Physics, or Geography, with prior coursework in paleoclimate and geochemistry laboratory analysis. Experience in generating isotopic or trace element data, strong quantitative skills, coding proficiency, and analytical thinking are essential. The project values interdisciplinary teamwork, climate modelling, geochemical process models, and academic writing. ETH Zürich provides access to outstanding analytical resources, technical support, and regular writing retreats to support original scientific writing.

ETH Zürich is renowned for its commitment to diversity, sustainability, and excellence in science and technology. The university fosters an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, and supports a climate-neutral future. The research environment encourages independent thinking and collaboration to address global challenges.

To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zürich portal, including a personal statement, CV, Master's transcript, and contact information for at least two references. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications are reviewed as received, with the first review closing on April 8th. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Heather Stoll at [email protected] (no applications).

This PhD project is ideal for candidates passionate about paleoclimate research, geochemistry, and quantitative analysis, seeking to work in a leading international team and contribute to pioneering climate science methodologies.