Professor in Earth and Planetary Geochemistry

The University of Lausanne ( UNIL ) is a leading international teaching and research institution, bringing together nearly 5,000 staff members and 17,500 students across its Dorigny campus and the sites of the University Hospital (CHUV) and the Épalinges campus. As an employer, UNIL is committed to excellence, recognition of individual contributions, and social responsibility. The Faculty of Geosciences and Environment ( FGSE ) of the University of Lausanne invites applications for the position of

Professor in Earth and Planetary Geochemistry

The appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track) at the Institute of Earth Sciences ( ISTE ) of the faculty. In exceptional cases, outstanding candidates may be considered for appointment at the level of Associate or Full (Ordinary) Professor, particularly if this supports our equal opportunity objectives. The planned starting date is the 1 st of August 2027.

We are seeking a professor who will develop research and teaching in the general field of Earth and planetary geochemistry to gain a deeper understanding of the chemical and geological processes on Earth and other planetary bodies, moons, and asteroids. The successful candidate will undertake state-of-the-art isotope and mineralogical analyses of experimental and natural samples, as well as the development of novel analytical methodologies and techniques.

The research directions of interest to the faculty include resolving questions on timescales and processes that lead to the formation of the solar system, origin of volatiles in the solar system, atmosphere origin and evolution of planets, and/or early evolution and differentiation of the Earth and other planets. Suitable candidates will have expertise in combining mineralogy, isotope geochemistry, and/or cosmochemistry.

Involvement in space and sample return missions will also be an advantage. The professorship is closely integrated into the new NCCR Genesis project hosted by ISTE, as well as into the teaching/research convention with the University of Geneva in Earth Sciences ( ELSTE ). The successful candidate should also take full advantage of the state-of-the-art analytical facilities within the Faculty and ELSTE, and develop collaborations with partner institutions of the NCCR Genesis to pursue innovative research and develop new analytical approaches and instrumentation capabilities that pioneer advanced methods to study chemical and physical processes applied to terrestrial and extraterrestrial material.

The professor will also contribute to teaching geochemistry and analytical methods in the current bachelor’s and master’s programs at UNIL, and will also participate in the development of new courses in cosmochemistry for a future multidisciplinary Master in Origin of Life. The successful candidate is expected to teach fluently in French at the bachelor’s level either upon appointment or within two years of being hired.

The application should include a cover letter, a research statement including a vision statement on Earth and Planetary Geochemistry and the integration of their research into the NCCR Genesis with a maximum of 4 pages, a teaching statement of maximum 2 pages, a full Curriculum Vitae, a list and links to the three most significant publications, a short statement (max. 1 page) on issues of EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) and the names and contact information of five referees

The University of Lausanne is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion within its community, and hence prefers the appointment to be made at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track). In exceptional cases,…