University of Lausanne

Homepage: https://www.unil.ch/unil/fr/home.html

Introduction
The University of Lausanne is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition, and responsibility.
Presentation
We invite applications for a 5-year PhD position in the Micro-biogeochemistry Lab at the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST) at the University of Lausanne. Our lab specializes in the application of interdisciplinary approaches – borrowing methods from the fields of biology, geology, and chemistry – to solve complex environmental questions related to biogeochemical cycling. Our lab is housed within a highly collaborative network of working groups in the biogeosciences and values both positive professional and social dynamics.
Job information
Expected start date: 1 february 2025 or upon agreement
Contract length: 5 years
Activity rate: 80%
Workplace: Lausanne Mouline (Géopolis)

Job description
The aim of the project is to study overlooked processes in methane and nitrous oxide cycling in various ecosystems in Switzerland, ranging from eutrophic lakes to alpine lichens. The candidate will take an interdisciplinary approach combing field work with laboratory experiments, borrowing techniques from chemistry, geology, biology, and molecular biology. Example approaches used may include monitoring gas production in situ using portable flux chambers, laboratory incubation experiments, DNA and RNA sequencing and analysis, gas chromatography and stable isotope analyses, wet chemistry, and microscopy.
The successful candidate will also be involved in the supervision of MSc and bachelor’s students on various topics in the biogeosciences, possibly in collaboration with local and cantonal organizations. Some teaching assistance of both practical and theoretical courses in French will be expected starting at the latest in the second year.
Desired qualifications

• MSc degree in environmental sciences, microbiology, chemistry or a related domain.
• Comfortable with fieldwork in difficult terrain
• Enthusiasm for teaching and transmission of knowledge to junior researchers and students
• Familiar with or willingness to learn field and laboratory techniques in geochemistry
• Skilled in R, Matlab, or some other data-processing program
• Excellent written and spoken English skills. It is expected that progress in spoken French will be made during the PhD.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
  What the position offers you
  We offer a stimulating position in a highly international and interdisciplinary environment. Our lab is located on the University of Lausanne campus, with immediate access to Lake Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and a rich cultural life.

Deadline: Dec 15th

We look forward to receiving your online application in PDF format including the following documents:

• Research statement (max 1 page) highlighting previous relevant experiences and your scientific interest in this project
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of relevant university degree certificates
• Contact information for two professional references

Applications submitted via the online UniL portal.
https://career5.successfactors.eu/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=universitdP&navBarLevel=JOB%5fSEARCH&rcm%5fsite%5flocale=fr%5fFR&career_job_req_id=21992&selected_lang=en_US&jobAlertController_jobAlertId=&jobAlertController_jobAlertName=&browserTimeZone=Europe/Zurich&_s.crb=YRLQ3RWmtMESWENQh7PJQUFPt%2fp%2bAsTo6wB40×0Glp0%3d

Additional information
UNIL is committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
www.unil.ch/egalite
UNIL supports early career researchers.
www.unil.ch/graduatecampus