Postdoctoral Researcher in Redox Biogeochemistry of Coastal Wetlands

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.

Presentation

The Molecular Biogeochemistry group at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Redox Biogeochemistry with a focus on coastal marsh ecosystems.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.04.2026, or upon mutual agreement

Contract length : 2 years, extension contingent on funding and performance

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne Mouline (Geopolis building)

Your responsibilities

The candidates will join the Molecular Biogeochemistry group studying the interactions of minerals, microbes, and organic matter in the face of climate change. The successful candidate will perform research on rhizophere biogeochemistry within salt marsh soils threatened by sea level rise. Specifically, this project aims to determine how oscillatory drivers (tidal oscillations and diel cycles) influence carbon processing and storage in the rhizosphere of salt marsh wetlands. A particular focus is the investigation of the tight coupling of oxygen, iron and sulfur cycling on carbon processing in the rhizosphere. This work will include growth chamber- and field-based experiments. The candidate will employ cutting-edge chemical and biological analyses, including microsensors, metabolomics, and spectroscopy. Results from this project will advance our understanding of carbon storage within coastal march ecosystems and inform predictions of the vulnerability of this vast carbon reservoir to sea level rise.

This project is part of a highly interdisciplinary Simons Foundation-funded research consortium exploring the hydro-biogeochemical functioning of coastal marsh ecosystems (“Ecosystem on the Edge: How Coastal Marsh Plants and Microbes Thrive in an Oscillating Environment” ). The candidate will directly collaborate with international exports in hydrology, plant science, ecology, and microbiology within this research consortium. The successful candidate is expected to work collaboratively within this research consortium as well as another PhD student in the Soil Biogeochemistry group at UNIL.The employment conditions are available  HERE

Your qualifications

To expand our Soil Biogeochemistry group, we are looking for someone with the following background:

• Successfull candidates will have an excellent PhD in soil biogeochemistry, environmental microbiology, environmental (geo)chemistry, or related field.


• Excellent knowledge of biogeochemical processes within soils, particularly redox-driven microbially-catalyzed C and metal dynamics, is a requirement. Familiarity with basic concepts of coastal marshes and rhizosphere is an advantage.


• Experience with basic geochemical and microbial lab procedures and analyses, and data analysis is required. In particular, experience with plant-based experiments, electrochemical sensors, or -omics analyses is an advantage.


• Commitment to conducting research on soil biogeochemical processes regulating carbon fate in coastal marsh systems.


• Well-developed interpersonal skills and an ability to work well in a multicultural team and institute.


• Excellent skills in written and oral English are required. Working knowledge of French is preferable but not necessary.

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.

We offer a full-time postdoctoral position at a competitive salary (~80K CHF/year) in a vibrant academic environment.

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. UNIL is internationally recognized for cutting-edge research in the geosciences, and shares a campus and resources with EPFL. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

The Molecular Biogeochemistry group within the Faculty of Geoscience and the Environment offers a vibrant work place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. The resources available in the Faculty as well as UNIL more broadly offer extensive opportunities for technical and professional training, international collaboration, and personal growth.

Contact for further information

Questions regarding the application can be addressed by email to Prof. Dr. Marco Keiluweit (E-Mail schreiben).

Your application

Deadline : 05.01.2026 - applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on January 5 until position is filled.

Please, send your full application with all the following in Word or PDF :

• Motivation letter;


• Curriculum Vitae;


• Copy of university degrees certificates and transcripts of marks/grades awarded;


• contact information for two academic references.

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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