PhD position in soil biogeochemistry in proglacial margins

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.

Presentation

A 5-year PhD Position is available in the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST) at the University of Lausanne, focusing on quantifying chemical weathering in proglacial margins. The successful candidate will join the pedology group.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.05.2026 ot to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 80%

Workplace : UNIL-Mouline - Geopolis building

Your responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include (1) completion of a PhD thesis in soil biogeochemistry (minimum 50% of your working time), and (2) providing support for teaching, advising, research and outreach acivities of the pedology group.

The goal or your PhD thesis will be to quantify chemical weathering fluxes in proglacial environments. As glaciers rapidly retreat, vast areas of newly exposed sediments undergo active pedogenesis. While descriptive aspects of this process such as plant colonisation and soil development have been well documented, the associated chemical weathering and fluxes of labile elements remain largely unknown. In this project, you will conduct soil and water sampling in an active proglacial margin, carry out wet chemical laboratory analyses, and develop a quantitative framework to estimate chemical weathering fluxes. Your results will help quantify the associated carbon dioxide sink and uncover feedbacks between glacier retreat and the carbon cycle.

In addition to research, you will be expected to contribute to teaching soil courses at the Bachelor and Master's level, especially in the Masters of Biogeosciences (https://www.unil.ch/fgse/fr/home/menuinst/formation/masters/bgs.html). You will have the opportunity to supervise Bachelor and Master students and to contribute to research and outreach initiatives of the pedology group, such as the development of the Swiss-Soil resource (https://wp.unil.ch/swissoil/).

At the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment (FGSE), you will join a large community of doctoral students. Organized events include an in-house, peer-organised seminar series as well as social activities and outings. There are numerous opportunities for further professional and scientific growth at UNIL and the FGSE including doctoral courses (https://earth-processes.cuso.ch/welcome/), networking opportunities and career counselling.

Your qualifications

• Master's degree in soil science, biogeochemistry, geology or earth science;


• Good foundation in pedology, mineralogy and geochemistry;


• Interest in biogeochemical processes at the earth surface;


• Experience in weathering studies is advantageous, but not essential;


• Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote alpine location;


• Experience and interest in lab work;


• Statistical and modelling skills, or willingness to learn;


• Proficiency in English and working knowledge of the French language. French classes are available to help reach the required level within one year of hiring.

What the position offers you

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.

Contact for further information

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

Your application

Deadline : 15.02.2026

Please, send your full application with all the following in Word or PDF :

• Motivation letter;


• 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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