Career Opportunities: PhD position in electron spin resonance dating and numerical modelling of landscape evolution (22906)

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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 4-year PhD position is available in the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST) at the University of Lausanne, focusing on the application of electron spin resonance dating and numerical modelling of landscape evolution to understand spatial and temporal variability in glacial erosion within the patagonian Andes. This position is part of the SNSF funded project "(How) Do glaciers buzz saw?". Further information about the project can be found here .

The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. Georgina King and Dr. Maxime Bernard and will join a diverse and dynamic group of geoscientists in the Interactions between Climate and Earth surface processes research group (ICE) which focusses on the pairing of data obtained using cutting-edge geochronological methods together with innovative numerical modelling for understanding landcape evolution.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.01.2027

Contract length : 1 year, renewable up to 4 years maximum

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne Mouline (Geopolis)

Your responsibilities

Within the framework of this project, the doctoral candidate will join an interdisciplinary, international team of scientists to explore the timing and rates of glacial erosion across the Patagonian Andes using cutting-edge geochronology and numerical modelling techniques. Specifically, they will use electron spin resonance thermochronometry together with the Instructed Glacial Model (IGM) and Pecube thermalkinematic software to quantify the timing and rates of glacial erosion at a range of sites. In addition to working with previously collected samples, they will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and will work on the collection, preparation, analysis and data interpretation of further samples from the Patagonian Andes.

Your qualifications

• Master's degree in geography/geology/earth science
• Experience of trapped-charge dating (ESR or luminescence dating) and/or numerical modelling
• Fieldwork experience would be advantageous, but is not essential
• Keen interest in developing new analytical and experimental approaches
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Interest in geomorphology/landscape evolution/glaciology/geochronology

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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Unil hosts fully equipped ESR and luminescence dating laboratories as well as excellent high performance computing infrastructure, including dedicated technical support.

In addition to research, the candidate will have the opportunity to be a part of 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 doctoral students for professional development, including specialized training workshops, seminar series and peer-support networks aimed at fostering scientific, social and personal growth.

Contact for further information

Prof. Georgina King 

georgina.king@unil.ch

Dr. Maxime Bernard

maxime.bernard@unil.ch

Your application

Deadline : 31.08.2026

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF including :

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• copy of university degrees and transcripts of marks awarded
• an example of a research output (e.g. MSc thesis, scientific publication)

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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unil.ch/families
unil.ch/graduatecampus

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