Job Description

Mission

The Soil Biogeochemistry Laboratory (SOIL) at the

Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)

, Switzerland, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team in the Institute of Environmental Engineering, based at the Alpine and Polar Environments Research Center (ALPOLE) in Sion.

Project description

The successful candidate will investigate how spatial and seasonal variability in soil redox processes controls soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover across Swiss alpine watersheds. Building on extensive prior field campaigns, the project will focus on the cold season: which redox processes proceed beneath snow, how they evolve during freeze-thaw, and how winter dynamics influence carbon preservation or turnover during snowmelt and into summer. The work will combine field analyses of seasonal redox dynamics across topographic and hydrologic gradients, bulk-soil and column incubations under controlled conditions, and mechanistic laboratory studies to identify the drivers and kinetics of redox processes observed in the field. Together, these activities will clarify the processes that govern SOC stability in alpine soils and how shifting winters may alter carbon cycling in high-elevation landscapes.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:
Take full responsibility for your dissertation Conduct research in close collaboration with other group members Design and execute laboratory experiments Design and carry out field work Complete coursework required by the doctoral school Write scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals Assist in teaching and supervise student projects Present at national and international conferences Actively shape group life and take on responsibility

Profile

Master's degree in environmental science, soil science, or a related discipline Demonstrated research experience (publications, thesis, or equivalent) Critical thinking and rigor in experimental work Strong communication and academic writing skills in English Familiarity with wet-chemistry approaches and soil characterization Field experience is an advantage Self-motivated, independent, and collaborative mindset

We offer

Mentoring and support for professional and personal development A stimulating research environment with state-of-the-art facilities Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and international networking Competitive salary and excellent working conditions

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. Doctoral Program Civil and Environmental Engineering - EDCE.

Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

Your application should contain:
A motivation Letter Your detailed CV Transcript and records (BSc and MSc) Contact information The names and contact information of three referees willing to provide a recommendation letter

Application deadline: [15/11/2025]

Contract Start Date: 01/01/2026

Activity Rate Min: 100,00

Activity Rate Max: 100,00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 4 years

Reference: 1804



For more information, please contact: meret.aeppli@epfl.ch. Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered.