Research scientist position in prebiotic inorganic geochemistry

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. The hosting laboratory is part of the Earth Science Institute within the Faculty of Geosciences at UNIL.

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NCCR GENESIS : 

The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.

Details on NCCR Genesis are available on its website  https://nccr-genesis.ch .

NCCR Genesis is deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to cultivate a respectful and fair work culture with equal access to professional development and support for all. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Presentation

NCCR Genesis is seeking a research scientist to coordinate the research activites conducted at the FGSE in collaboration with EPFL. Your responsibilities will include coordinating research across the different projects, co-supervising PhD and MSc students, contributing to the scientific training of the team and developping and maintening analytical protocols and research infrastructure. Part of the position will be dedicated to your own personnal research, including the publication and presentation of the scientific results. The research focuses on the origin of Life, with particular emphasis on tracing interactions between the atmosphere and lithosphere through volatile elements; investigating non-equilibrium dynamics in prebiotic multiphase environments; and exploring the geochemical origins of life.

Job information

Expected Start in position 01.11.2026 or upon mutual agreement

Contract length : 2+2 years (maximum 4 years)

Activity rate : 70 % (negociable)

Workplace : Institute of Earth Sciences, GENESIS Team - University of Lausanne

Your qualifications

PhD's degree in  Geochemistry, Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field

  Strong background in geochemistry, sedimentology, or geobiology

  Experience with isotope and geochemical analysis preferred

  Commitment to research based on experiental approaches

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.

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Contact for further information

Professor Johanna Marin Carbonne, E-Mail schreiben;

Professor Samuel Jaccard, E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as soon as they are received 

Please submit your complete application as a single PDF file containing

  a CV including details of your research experience

  a statement of research interests and motivation letter

  copies of your academic transcripts

  the contact details of one or two professional references

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.
We thank you for your understanding.

Job description

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Additional information

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