Open Positions

Please visit this page regularly to check for open positions. If no positions are available in your field of interest, nevertheless feel free to contact the relevant group leave to inquire about future possibilities.

• Two funded PhD positions in Sedimentology : Sedimentary Basin Dynamics and Biogeosphere Interactions

  The section of Earth Sciences at the Department of Geosciences of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland invites applications for two PhD-positions in the fields of Sedimentology, resp. Basin Dynamics and Geobiosphere interactions.

  We seek 2 PhD-candidates interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of Sedimentology, Basin Dynamics and Geobiosphere interactions. The PhD-positions frame within the SNF-funded research project ‘CONNECT: Paleo-Connectivity and Paleo-Hydrological change in an initial rift basin’. The overall aim of the CONNECT project is to understand the intermittent connectivity, connection pathways and complex hydrological exchange in an initial rift basin (northern Afar, Ethiopia – Eritrea) tuned by eustatism, climate change and volcano-tectonic processes.  On particular the CONNECT project aims to (1) constrain and localize the gateways connecting the Danakil Depression with the Red Sea during Pleistocene times and (2) constrain the paleohydrological and paleoenvironmental evolution of the northern Afar. This research project targets cross-boundary research with partners in Ethiopia, Eritrea, South-Africa, Germany, France, Austria and Spain.

  The first PhD-project (PhD-position in sedimentary basin dynamics) will be mainly focusing on the spatial and temporal distribution/mapping, as well as dating of Pleistocene to Holocene sedimentary units based on outcrops, cores and seismic datasets. The second PhD-student (PhD-position in biogeosphere interactions) will be mainly focusing on the reconstruction of the paleohydrological and paleoenvironmental evolution of the northern Afar using sedimentary facies in core sections and outcrops (coral skeletons, evaporites, aragonite crusts and microbialites) as paleo-archives.

  Applicants for both positions must have a MSc degree in Earth sciences or Geosciences. The candidate is expected to do fieldwork in extreme environments. Lab and/or field experience are welcome. The candidate should be proficient in English.

  The desired start of the 2 PhD positions is between 01.06.23 and 01.10.23. The deadline for applications is 31.04.23.

  Applications must include:

  • motivation letter,
  • one-page statement of research expertise,
  • detailed CV and publication list and/or copy of the MSc-work,
  • contact information of 3 reference persons,

  Applications should be made via email in one single PDF file to Anneleen Foubert.

• PostDoc position in Rock glacier dynamics (70%)

  RoDynAlpS

  Rock glacier dynamics in the Swiss Alps:
  evolution and drivers at multiple spatio-temporal scales

  With the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the Universities of Fribourg (UniFr), Lausanne (UNIL) and Zurich (UZH), and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) in Davos are launching the RoDynAlpS project, the first comprehensive and consistent study of past, present and regional evolution of rock glaciers in Switzerland. Through the combination of local and region-wide remote sensing analyses, integrative field-based studies and detailed numerical modelling, the project will provide a complete framework for understanding the dynamics of rock glaciers in the context of climate change. RoDynAlpS is a 4-years project, starting in spring 2023.

  Read more about the project : RoDynAlpS – Open positions

  Job description (PostDoc)

  You will act as the corner stone of the project, support the activities of the project and facilitate national and international collaborations. On the basis of already existing and newly collected data, the Postdoc will develop numerical and conceptual models to advance our understanding of rock glacier dynamics in the Swiss Alps in close collaboration with the project members. The research direction can be negotiated in the framework of the project goals, depending on your expertise and preferences. Participation in fieldwork campaigns is possible and encouraged.

  The expected start date in position is May 1^st 2023 at the earliest. The contract length is 1 year, renewable up to 4 years (until the completion of the RoDynAlpS project). The activity rate is 70%.

  Qualification requirements

  You hold a PhD degree in Geography/Geoscience and have experience in the field of permafrost creep and rock glacier dynamics. You are an independent researcher, with a strong research vision and you are capable of coordinating a team with different interests. Additionally, you are an expert in either data analysis, numerical modelling, or remote sensing. We encourage applications from motivated and creative individuals. You have very good oral and written communication skills in English, knowledge of one of the Swiss national languages is an asset. Previous work experience in high-mountain terrain is beneficial.

  Working place

  The successful applicant will join the Alpine Geomorphology research group within the Department of Geosciences at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

  How to apply

  Application, in the form of a single pdf-file including a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions, academic work and two/three major research achievements), a list of publications, copies of educational certificates, contact information for at least 2-3 professional references (name, affiliation, relation to applicant, e-mail) to Nicole Equey . Please note that all documents should be in English.

  The review of the applications will start on January 10^th 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

  For any question relative to the position and the application process, please contact Prof. Reynald Delaloye  and Alessandro Cicoira .

  Prof. Reynald Delaloye (UniFr) / Dr Alessandro Cicoira (UZH) / Dr Cécile Pellet (UniFr) / 01.12.2022