PhD Position in Atmospheric Chemistry

ETH Zurich

PhD Position in Atmospheric Chemistry
Employment: 100%, fixed-term
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Institution: ETH Zurich, Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science (IAC)

Project Overview

The Atmospheric Chemistry group at ETH Zurich invites applications for a 4-year PhD position on:

“Investigating ozone formation in smoke from wildfires”

Research in the Atmospheric Chemistry group explores the processes controlling tropospheric composition (gases and particles) and their intersection with global change. The group uses global modeling tools (GEOS-Chem and CESM) and analyses large observational datasets.

Wildfires are increasing globally due to climate change, emitting a range of gas- and particle-phase compounds, including precursors that form ozone, an important air pollutant and greenhouse gas. Fires may increasingly contribute to background ozone, but ozone formation in smoke is highly variable, and models have struggled to reproduce it.

Goals of the PhD project:

• Develop new 3D model schemes to represent ozone formation and evolution in fire plumes
• Test simulations against airborne, surface, and satellite observations
• Quantify the contribution of fires to global ozone background now and in the future

Supervision: Prof. Colette Heald

Job Description

The doctoral student will:

• Develop skills in atmospheric chemistry, global modeling, and data analysis of field observations
• Gain experience in scientific communication through conference presentations and publications
• Develop management skills by co-supervising bachelor and master theses

Candidate Profile

Required qualifications:

• MSc in atmospheric science, earth science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, or related discipline (obtained prior to PhD start date)
• Experience in atmospheric chemistry
• Strong programming skills
• Good knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with regional or global modeling

Employment Details

• Funding secured for 4 years, employment according to ETH regulations
• Projected start: September 2026 (earlier start possible upon mutual agreement)

Workplace & Environment

• International research group with a friendly, supportive environment
• English is the working language
• Exposure to wide-ranging research via biweekly group meetings
• One-on-one supervision with Prof. Heald
• Part of IAC, which hosts a seminar series
• Located at ETH’s central campus

Application Instructions

Submit online only via ETH Zurich application portal. Applications via email or postal mail will not be considered.

Required documents:

1. CV
2. Summary of Master’s thesis (≤1 page)
3. Copies of certificates, including transcript if currently enrolled in MS program
4. Contact information for 2–3 references

Application evaluation: Begins 1 December 2025 and continues until the position is filled

Further information:

• Research: Atmospheric Chemistry group webpage
• Contact: Prof. Colette Heald, colette.heald@env.ethz.ch (for inquiries only, no applications)

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. It is renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and transfer of knowledge into society. ETH Zurich hosts over 30,000 people from 120+ countries, promoting independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, ETH Zurich collaborates globally to address major scientific and societal challenges.

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