Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Earth and Planetary Evolution

ETH Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ETH Zurich invites applications for the professorship of Earth and Planetary Evolution. The role focuses on physical processes governing Earth and planetary dynamics, with emphasis on large-scale numerical simulations, data assimilation, and integration of diverse observational data with AI approaches.

The successful candidate will teach core topics in planetary interiors physics and advanced numerical methods at the Master’s level while contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives within COPL

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in geophysics, planetary science or a closely related field.
• Strong publication record and ability to lead independent research.
• Experience with multi-physics simulations and high-performance computing.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of large-scale numerical simulations and data assimilation.
• Advance interdisciplinary research at ETH Zurich in COPL and NCCR Genesis.
• Contribute to teaching at Bachelor's and Master's levels and engage with space mission data.

Skills

Computational geophysics

Multi-physics modelling

High-performance computing

Data assimilation

Education

PhD in geophysics or planetary science

Tools

Numerical methods

Job description

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (www.eaps.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich invites applications for the above-mentioned position.

The professorship of „Earth and Planetary Evolution“

The professorship of „Earth and Planetary Evolution“ focuses on the physical processes governing the evolution, habitability and surface dynamics of the Earth, rocky planets, icy moons and exoplanets. The successful candidate will actively develop and apply large-scale numerical simulations and data assimilation techniques, integrating a diverse range of data (e.g., seismic, gravity, geologic, magnetic, multi-spectral) and modern AI approaches in order to understand long-term planetary dynamics, volatile cycling, conditions for life and resource formation. Teaching engagement will cover fundamental topics in physics of planetary interiors and their surface expressions at the Bachelor's level (e.g., continuum mechanics, fluid dynamics) and advanced numerical and data-assimilation courses at the Master's level, serving core curricula in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Candidates

Candidates should have an excellent research record relative to their career stage in computational geophysics, planetary science or a related field, with expertise in multi-physics modelling (thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, chemical) and a demonstrated commitment to developing and applying state-of-the-art numerical methods that harness modern high-performance computing systems. A passion to engage with a diverse array of observational data and to play an active role in interdisciplinary initiatives within the ETH Zurich Center for the Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL) and NCCR Genesis is essential. The successful candidate will be expected to help advance interdisciplinary research at the interface between planetary evolution, habitability and the search for life. Engagement with current and future planetary and exoplanet space missions is particularly encouraged. The appointee will be expected to contribute to the Department's core teaching at both Bachelor's and Master's levels, including in our new MSc program in Space Systems.

At the assistant professor level, commitment to teaching and the ability to lead a research group are expected.