The Environmental Chemistry Group of Prof. Laurel ThomasArrigo is offering 3 PhD positions in the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland). The research will be conducted within the SNSF Starting Grant ‘‘MiMOC: Mineral-Mediated Organic Carbon dynamics in soils and sediments: Advancing understanding from the lab to the field’’. The project involves 3 PhD students and 1 Postdoc.
Project description: Iron mineral phases in soils play a key role in global element cycles. Yet our understanding of how fluctuating soil redox conditions affects mineral stability and transformation and impact the sequestration and/or mobilization of associated organic carbon is not clear. As part of a larger team, you will contribute to the development of novel approaches for investigating iron mineral transformations and the coupled fate of mineral-associated organic carbon in redox-dynamic soil and sediment environments. You will conduct laboratory and field studies on selected iron mineral transformation processes and their influence on carbon dynamics, using state-of-the-art experimental and analytical techniques including stable isotope tracers, synchrotron techniques, and XRD.
Main duties and responsibilities:
• Design and execute laboratory experiments
• Publish research results in international scientific journals
• Attend and present research at national and international conferences
• Participate in teaching and supervision of laboratory practical courses
Your profile:
• MSc degree in a related field (e.g. environmental science, chemistry, mineralogy, ecology, soil science)
• Highly motivated to conduct scientific research in environmental biogeochemistry
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge in wet chemistry and lab techniques and a willingness to learn
• Experience with synchrotron techniques or XRD is an advantage
• Fluent English (written and spoken) is essential and basic French is an advantage
We offer:
• An inclusive and supportive working environment that encourages scientific curiosity
• Opportunities to further develop skills in advanced analytical methods (e.g., synchrotron XAS, XRD)
• Opportunities to attend and present at conferences and meetings
• The chance to build a scientific network in the fields of environmental and soil biogeochemistry
Start date: Summer 2025 (or upon agreement)
Duration: 4 years
Review of applications will begin March 1 and will continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send the following documents as a single pdf file with the subject line
‘’PhD application_ [your name]’’ to laurel.thomas@unine.ch :
• A concise statement (2 page max.) describing your experience, motivation, and interest in the position
• Detailed CV including contact information for 2-3 references
• Copies of BSc/MSc transcripts
For further information please visit our website https://www.unine.ch/envchem/ or contact Prof. Laurel
ThomasArrigo by email at laurel.thomas@unine.ch
