Postdoc position in Environmental Biogeochemistry
The Environmental Chemistry Group of Prof. Laurel ThomasArrigo is offering a Postdoctoral position 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 include:
- 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
- PhD in a related field and documented record of previous research accomplishments
- Highly motivated to conduct scientific research in environmental biogeochemistry
- Good organizational and communication skills
- Experience with synchrotron techniques and soil methods 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: 2 years (with possibility of 2-yr extension)
Review of applications will begin March 1 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send the following documents as a single pdf file with the subject line ‘’Postdoc application_ [your name]’’ to laurel.thomas@unine.ch:
- A cover letter describing the motivation of the candidate for this position
- Detailed CV including contact information for 2-3 references
- Copies of BSc/MSc and PhD transcripts and a summary of the applicant's PhD thesis (if completed)
- A statement of research interests and career plan (2 pages max.)
For further information please visit our website https://www.unine.ch/envchem/ or contact Prof. Laurel ThomasArrigo by email at laurel.thomas@unine.ch