Professor in Geo-Biosphere Interactions across the Geologic Record

Earthworks-jobs.com Ltd; Lausanne; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Lausanne invites applications for a tenure-track Professor in Geo-Biosphere Interactions across the Geologic Record at ISTE. The appointment will be at the Assistant Professor level with tenure track to Associate Professor, starting 1 August 2027.

The candidate will lead research at the interface of sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology and geochemistry, with a strong field component. Teaching in French at bachelor and master levels is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop research and teaching in Earth’s sedimentary record to understand climate–geology–ecology links in deep time.
• Conduct multi-proxy research on paleoenvironmental conditions, depositional processes and diagenetic alterations.
• Teach sedimentology and paleontology and help develop geobiology content at bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Job description

Professor in Geo-Biosphere Interactions across the Geologic Record

University of Lausanne

Introduction

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 Geo-Biosphere Interactions across the Geologic Record

The appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track to the rank of an Associate Professor) at the Institute of Earth Sciences ( ISTE ) of the Faculty. 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’s sedimentary geological record and how it can be used to understand interactions between climate, geology, and ecosystems in deep time as drivers of the evolution of life on a planetary scale. This professor will examine past geological events, working at the interface of sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, and geochemistry, with a strong field component. The work will combine geological field observations with analyses and experimental approaches that can be developed within the excellent laboratory facilities within the Faculty and ELSTE. The successful candidate will conduct multi-proxy research that aims to clarify the interplay between paleoenvironmental conditions, depositional processes, and diagenetic alterations of sedimentary successions, to give insight into major events in Earth’s history. Research topics should be grounded in sedimentology and/or stratigraphy, and could include studying the origin and evolution of life; mass extinction events, recoveries and adaptive radiations; major environmental changes in the marine and terrestrial realms; stress influences on biogeochemical cycles; and the interactions between life and the environment. We stress that we are seeking someone who principally conducts research with implications for understanding the geological rock record, rather than modern or recent processes. This 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 strong aspect of interdisciplinarity, always with sedimentology and stratigraphy at the core, will create many synergies within ISTE, ELSTE, and the Faculty, as well as the partner institutions of the NCCR Genesis within the Swiss university network.

The professor will contribute to sedimentology and paleontology teaching and will help to develop new geobiology content at the bachelor’s and master’s level, as well as new courses in the future multidisciplinary Master in Origin of Life.

The successful candidate is expected to teach 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 Geo-Biosphere Interactions across the Geologic Record 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.

Further Information

The University of Lausanne is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion within its community, and the appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track). In exceptional cases, outstanding candidates may be considered for appointment directly at the level of Associate Professor, particularly if this supports our equal opportunity objectives.

Starting date:

1 st of August 2027 (or to be agreed upon).

Contract length:

2 years renewable twice (6 years).
Tenure to the rank of Associate Professor expected after 5-6 years, according to the Directives 1.3 and 1.4 of UNIL.

Activity rate:

100 % (or to be agreed upon)

Workplace:

University of Lausanne (Géopolis building)

Contact information

For further information please contact Professor Torsten Vennemann
(Dean and President of the Presentation Commission; [e-mail] )

Application deadline: 31 st of October 2026

Working environment and benefits

We offer an attractive working environment within a multicultural, diverse, and stimulating academic community. Committed to the well-being and development of its members, UNIL actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, and strives to provide an open, respectful, and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

UNIL also supports a healthy work-life balance, encourages the development of early-career researchers, and offers a wide range of continuing education opportunities, as well as numerous activities and services designed to foster the professional and personal development of its staff.