Phd position in taphonomy of fossil microbialites

Introduction

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a leading public institution of higher education and research in Switzerland. It is composed of seven faculties for a total of approximately 17’000 students and employs around 5’000 researchers, teachers and technical staff. The hosting laboratory is part of the Earth Science Institute within the Faculty of Geosciences at UNIL. unil.ch/work

The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.  

Details on NCCR Genesis are available on its website https://nccr-genesis.ch . 

NCCR Genesis is deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to cultivate a respectful and fair work culture with equal access to professional development and support for all. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups. 

Presentation

The Animal Origins and Morphology Lab (ANOM Lab) at the Institute of Earth Sciences at UNIL invites applications for one PhD position. The PhD will be supervised by Allison Daley (UNIL) and is embedded in the Project OASIS (Origin of Life Analogues and Archives) of the NCCR Genesis. This project, which is in collaboration with Nina Zeyen (UNIGE) and Anneleen Foubert (UNIFR), aims at employing an integrated approach combining geochemistry, mineralogy, and microbiology, supported by observations, characterizations and experiments, to study how microbialite are being formed and preserved through diagenetic processes over time. The PhD student will work collaboratively with two other PhD students employed on Project OASIS, at UNIGE and UNIFR, as well as postdocs and technicians associated with the project.

This project will focus on microbialites preserved in the rock record, with the objective of better understanding the mechanisms that lead to their formation, transformation and preservation. You will characterize these sites in terms of their mineralogy, appearance (preserved structures) and geochemical content, contributing to building an archive database of microbialite localities. Probability-based taphonomic analyses will be applied to help unravel preservation processes. An experimental approach will also be undertaken, using samples collected from modern microbial environments and subjected them to controlled decay experiments to describe early diagenetic processes and the conditions that favour stabilization of organic matter. 

Job information

Expected Start in position 01.01.2027 or upon mutual agreement

Contract length : 4 years (1+2+1)

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne 

Your qualifications

We are looking for

• A Master’s degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, Biology, or related field


• Motivation to work as part of an interdisciplinary team


• Experience with paleontology, microbialites, decay experiments, or taphonomy is an advantage

What the position offers you

Situated near the Swiss Alps on the shore of beautiful Lake Geneva, on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux Terraced Vineyards, Lausanne offers an exceptional quality of life. The Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) is situated in the new Geopolis building, which houses state-of-the-art research facilities. The paleontology laboratories house extensive fossil preparation and imaging facilities and aquarium research labs. The student will join a vibrant and friendly academic environment of international researchers and students, who cover a full range of topics across the earth sciences. Opportunities for professional training and career development are available.

unil.ch/work

Contact for further information

Professor Allison Daley, E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline: applicants are considered until the position is filled.

The application process starts with a blind assessment of your answers to a series of questions. 

Please follow this link and answer the questions. At the end of the online form, you will provide your email. 

https://forms.gle/i5ZUpANWCnB1Uxdm6

If you are selected for consideration, you will be contacted by email and invited to submit your application as a single PDF file containing:

• a CV containing the same email you provided on the online form


• a cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and your motivation for the PhD position


• copies of your academic transcripts


• the names of two referees

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.

unil.ch/equality
unil.ch/families
unil.ch/graduatecampus