Postdoc in modelling of early prokaryote evolution and interaction with earth geodynamics
Zürich, Switzerland
Postdoc in modelling of early prokaryote evolution and interaction with earth geodynamics
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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 the website.
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. In the context of this project, we are looking for a 2-years fully funded postdoctoral candidate.
Project background
How did the earliest forms of life evolve, and how did their evolution interact with the changing physical and chemical environment of the early Earth? This project investigates the co-evolution of life and the Earth system over geological timescales, with a particular focus on the major transitions in energy metabolism of early prokaryotic life. The emergence and succession of different energy metabolisms was likely allowed by changing earth surface conditions. It is unclear which metabolic strategies were most likely to have emerged first, and how shifting environmental conditions may have determined major metabolic transitions in Earth’s history. The project will couple models of prokaryotic evolution and energy metabolism with existing and newly developed geodynamic simulations of the early Earth. These simulations will explore how mantle dynamics, lithospheric rheology, surface relief, weathering, CO₂ fluxes, palaeogeography, atmosphere, and climate evolved as the Earth cooled.
Beyond environmental triggers, the project aims to investigate the environmental transformation caused by these innovations. The evolution of organisms capable of autotrophic carbon fixation, for example, may have altered carbon and nutrient cycling, atmospheric composition, oxygen availability, and ultimately the conditions under which subsequent forms of life could evolve. Further attention will be given to how different geodynamic regimes may create environmental conditions that promote, delay, or prevent major evolutionary transitions. The project will explore a range of planetary and geodynamic scenarios, including early Earth conditions, or stagnant-lid. The resulting changes in tectonics, topography, surface processes, atmospheric composition, climate, and habitability will be linked to evolutionary models to determine when metabolic transitions are likely to occur. The project will contribute to understanding how planets and life co-evolve and how biological activity can fundamentally reshape planetary conditions.
Job description
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop and implement an interdisciplinary research programme investigating the evolution of early prokaryotic life in its geodynamic and climatic context. You will work at the interface of evolutionary biology, molecular evolution, geodynamics, Earth-system science, and planetary habitability.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Building up on existing modeling of anerobic autotrophs and heterotrophs (Sauterey et al 2020, Nasreldine et al in prep) to design a model simulating assemblages of metabolic communities as a function of global and local chemical and physical conditions.
- Building up on existing models of carbon and nutrient cycling and atmospheric evolution during the Archean (Affholder et al., 2025; Affholder et al in prep) to investigate how evolving geophysical and geochemical processes may have constrained or have been affected by evolving early metabolic assemblages.
- Using outputs geodynamic simulations as constrains of geophysical and geochemical processes to investigate how varying planetary conditions (different lithospheric strength, interior density profiles, mantle rheology) may facilitate or hinder certain evolutionary transitions in early metabolisms.
- Using these models to explore how biological evolution can alter planetary conditions and potentially drive systems toward alternative stable states
- Communicating research findings through scientific publications, presentations at international conferences, and collaboration with project partners
The position offers scientific independence, while providing the opportunity to collaborate closely with researchers working on evolutionary biology, geodynamics, climate, and planetary science. The position is initially for 12 months and extendable based on progress and evaluation of performance for up to a maximum of 24 months.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in the evolution of early life and the interactions between biological and planetary processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in quantitative or computational research and be enthusiastic about working across disciplinary boundaries.
Essential qualifications and attributes
- A PhD in geobiology, biogeochemistry, Earth sciences, geodynamics, planetary science, computational biology, or a closely related field.
- A strong background in interdisciplinary work is encouraged
- Strong experience in quantitative research, computational modelling, data analysis, or a combination thereof
- Demonstrated ability to work independently to formulate research questions, develop hypotheses, design analyses, and interpret results
- Experience in geophysical/geochemical modeling or in bioenergetics, population ecology, eco-evolution
- Strong scientific programming and data-analysis skills, preferably in Python, R, MATLAB, Julia, or a comparable language
- Ability to critically evaluate model assumptions and integrate evidence from different types of data
- Strong interest in evolutionary processes, early life, Earth-system evolution, or planetary habitability
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work on complex interdisciplinary questions
- Ability to communicate scientific results clearly in written and spoken English
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to work across disciplinary boundaries
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage an independent research programme
Additional assets
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly advantageous:
- Evolution of microbial energy metabolism or early prokaryotic life
- Geodynamic or mantle-convection modelling
- Climate or Earth-system modelling
- Biogeochemical or carbon-cycle modelling
- Geological or geochemical constraints on the evolution of early Earth
- Coupling biological and abiotic models or working with Earth-system feedbacks
- High-performance computing and large-scale numerical simulations
- Experience working with interdisciplinary datasets and modelling frameworks
Candidates with a strong background in either computational biological evolution or geodynamics/Earth-system modelling are encouraged to apply, provided they have a strong interest in developing expertise across the other discipline.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
At ETH Zurich, you will join a vibrant and highly interdisciplinary scientific community and have access to:
- An internationally connected research environment at the interface of biology, Earth sciences, and planetary science
- The opportunity to develop an independent research programme within a scientifically ambitious project
- Access to advanced computational resources and modelling expertise
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction with researchers across different fields
- Training and career-development opportunities
- Support programmes including mentoring and interdisciplinary networks
- A collaborative, inclusive, and international team culture
- A stimulating research environment at a leading research institution
Read more about working at ETH and our benefits for employees.
We value diversity and sustainability
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- CV (include complete list of publications and references we can contact)
- Motivation Letter
Further information about the Laboratory of Ecosystem and Landscape Evolution can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Loïc Pellissier (loic.pellissier@usys.ethz.ch), no applications.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.