PhD position : Constraining Proglacial Sediment Dynamics Using Luminescence Dating

Introduction

UNIL 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.

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Presentation

A Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) 4-years PhD Position is available at the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST) of the University of Lausanne (UNIL, Switzerland), focusing on the application of luminescence dating to constrain sediment dynamics in Apline (Swiss Alps) and Arctic (Southwest Greenland) proglacial rivers. The position lies within the framework of the SNSF funded project "Constraining sediment dynamics in Alpine catchments : novel insights into sediment sources and pathways from combined luminescence and geochemical methods".

The successfull candidate will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary group of geoscientists within the ICE (Interactions between Climate and Earth Surface Processes) and AlpWise (ALPine Water, Ice, Sediment and Ecology) research groups. The ICE group focuses on combining cutting-edge geochronological methods with innovative numerical modelling to understand ladscape evolution. AlpWISE applies state-of-the-art techniques and numerical approaches to investigate the impacts of rapid climate change and human activity on Alpine environments.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.06.2026 (desired) but not later than 01.09.2026

Contract length : 1 year initially, renewable up to 4 years in total

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne Mouline (Geopolis)

Your responsibilities

Within this project, the doctoral candidate will join the PI and an interdisciplinary, international team of scientists to advance the understanding of sediment dynamics in proglacial rivers by quantifying sediment transport and storage. The project combines field measurements, novel analytical approaches, and numerical  modelling.

The PhD student will participate in fieldwork and contribute to the collection, preparation, analysis, and interpretation of luminescence dating samples from Alpine and Arctic proglacial plains. The candidate will also apply established methods to collect sediment export and hydrological data.

Your qualifications

• Master's degree in geography, geology, Earth sciences, or physics.


• Interest in combining fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and numerical modelling.


• Experience with luminescence dating is an advantage but not required.


• Interest in glacial geomorphology and sediment dynamics; prior experience is beneficial.


• Good command of written and spoken English.

What the position offers you

The student will have access to the advanced analytical facilities of the luminescence laboratory at UNIL, including a SUERC portable luminescence reader for rapid sample screening in the field, as well as state-of-the-art field equipement for measuring water discharge, suspended sediment, and bedload fluxes.

In addition to research, the candidate will join a vibrant, diverse, and supportive community of graduate and doctoral students within the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment (FGSE). Both FGSE and UNIL offer numerous opportunities for professional development, including specialized workshops, seminar series, and peer-support networks designed to foster scientific, social, and personal growth.

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Contact for further information

Any questions regarding the PhD position can be directed to Dr. Elena Serra (E-Mail schreiben)

Your application

Deadline : 31.03.2026

Please, send your full application with all the following in a single PDF file :

• Motivation letter (2 pages)


• Curriculum Vitae


• Copy of university degree certificates and transcripts of marks awarded


• Electronic version of a research output (e.g., scientific publication, MSc thesis)


• Contact information for two professional references

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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