PhD Position in Magnetic Resonance Applications in Porous Media

About the role

The Geothermal Energy & Geofluids group of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich is looking for a PhD student to develop and apply multi-modal magnetic resonance techniques for studying chemical and physical processes in porous media such as natural rock formations. The position is 100% in Zurich, fixed-term for one year with a competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards, starting on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, with possible annual extensions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop new methods and techniques in NMR/MRI, pulsed-EPR-MRI and DNP
• Characterize radical centers in natural rock samples with EPR spectroscopy and imaging
• Study DNP in porous media with exogenous and endogenous radical sources
• Investigate applied processes such as multicomponent fluid flow and temperature encoding, mechanochemical radical generation during rock fracturing, quantification of 13C-enriched CO2, bicarbonate and CH4, and tracking of mineral precipitation via 23Na and/or 7Li isotopes
• Combine experimental stimulations, magnetic-resonance characterization, geochemical analysis, microbial ecology approaches and modeling of fluid migration and storage potential

Required profile

• Background in chemistry, physics, engineering or a similar field
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging chemistry, physics, geochemistry, geomechanics, microbiology and energy science
• Fluency in English, written and spoken
• Experience with liquid- or solid-state NMR, MRI or EPR
• Familiarity with analytical tools such as XRD, SEM and XRCT
• Experience with high-temperature, high-pressure in-situ experiments is an advantage

What we offer

• Cutting-edge computational and laboratory infrastructure at ETH Zurich, including low-field and high-field NMR/MRI, pulsed-EPR-MRI and DNP instruments, XRCT, laser PIV and LIF
• A dynamic, inclusive group culture

Applications are submitted online through the university's application portal, with a cover letter, CV and, if available, up to three reference letters.