Switzerland: PhD Student Positions in Soil Chemistry, ETH Zurich

PhD research project in the Soil Chemistry Group, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics at ETH Zurich.

Supervisors: Dr. Christian Mikutta and Prof. Ruben Kretzschmar

We are inviting applications for two PhD student positions in the area of environmental soil chemistry and biogeochemistry of trace elements. The project addresses the binding of Arsenic to natural organic matter of peatlands. The first PhD student will investigate the speciation and potential bioavailability of As in an As-contaminated peatland and explore the temporal and spatial dynamics of As in the pore water. The second PhD student will study the binding strength, mechanisms, kinetics, and abiotic controls of the interaction between different As species and natural organic matter. Both sub-projects include the setup of laboratory-scale experiments and the use of advanced analytical techniques for the quantification and speciation of trace elements in the solid and liquid phase.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a strong interest in soil chemistry and biogeochemistry of trace elements and should hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in environmental sciences, geosciences, chemistry, geoecology, or a related discipline. Good knowledge of English is essential. Female and male candidates are equally invited to apply. Employment will be according to standard regulations of the ETH Zurich. Start from January 2009 or upon mutual agreement. Project duration is 3 years.

Send a letter of application, CV, statement of research interests, copy of certificates, and addresses of 2-3 potential referees to Prof. Ruben Kretzschmar, ETH Zurich, CHN F29.2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland (paper copy by mail or single pdf-file by e-mail to christian.mikutta[ at ]env.ethz.ch).

Application deadline is September 30, 2008.

The evaluation of candidates will start Oktober 1 and continue until the position is filled. More information on our research group can be found at http://www.ibp.ethz.ch/research/soilchemistry/.

For further details on the project contact:

Dr. Christian Mikutta.
ETH Zürich
Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Soil Chemistry Group
Universitätstr. 16
CH-8092 Zurich

WWW: www.ibp.ethz.ch/research/soilchemistry/
Telefon: 0041+44+6336024
E-Mail: christian.mikutta[ at ]env.ethz.ch