PhD position in trapped charge dating

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.

A 4-year PhD position is available in the Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics (IDYST) at the University of Lausanne, focusing on the application of trapped charge dating (luminescence, electron spin resonance dating) to understand Quaternary Fault dynamics in the Himalayan Main Frontal Thrust (MFT), India within the framework of the SNSF funded project "Capturing Quakes in Quartz and Feldspars".

The successful candidate will join a diverse and dynamic group of geoscientists in the Interactions between Climate and Earth surface processes research group (ICE) which focusses on the pairing of data obtained using cutting-edge geochronological methods together with innovative numerical modelling for understanding landscape evolution.

Expected start date in position: 01.04.2026 (desired) but not later than 01.08.2026

Contract length: 1 year, renewable up to 4 years

Activity rate: 100%

Workplace:
Lausanne Mouline (Geopolis)

Within the framework of this project, the doctoral candidate will join the PI and an interdisciplinary, international team of scientists to better constrain the timing and scale of past earthquakes using a combination of novel analytical and experimental approaches. The PhD student will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and will work on the collection, preparation, analysis and data interpretation of samples from the Himalayan MFT for trapped charge dating.

The trapped charge dating laboratory at UNIL hosts a state-of-the-art luminescence laboratory with five Risø TL-DA-20 instruments and a fully equipped ESR laboratory including two X-band ESR spectrometers. In addition to classical chemical preparation facilities, the laboratories also host dedicated rock preparation facilities and a high-resolution Ge-detector gamma specrometer.

In addition to research, the candidate will have the opportunity to be a part of a vibrant, diverse and supportive community of graduate and doctoral students within the Faculty of Geosciences and Environment (FGSE). Both FGSE and UNIL offer numerous opportunities for doctoral students for professional growth, including specialized training workshops, seminar series and peer-support networks aimed at fostering scientific, social and personal growth.

• Master's degree in geography, geology, earth science, physics, chemistry
• Experience of trapped-charge dating (luminescence or ESR) is advantageous but not essential
• Keen interest in developing new analytical and experimental approaches
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Interest in palaeoseismology/geomorphology

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.

Any questions regarding the PhD position can be directed to Dr. Aditi K Dave. Please send mail to the provided university address.

Deadline: 20.01.2026

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

• Motivation letter (2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of university degree certificates and transcripts of marks awarded
• Electronic version of a research output (e.g., scientific publication, MSc thesis)
• Contact information for two professional references

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

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