PhD Student - Electron transfer processes at clay minerals

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

The SNSF-funded project “Electron transfer across the clay mineral-water interface” aims to resolve long-standing questions regarding where, how, and why electron transfer occurs at iron-bearing clay minerals. Clay minerals are ubiquitous in sedimentary environments, contain a large amount of Fe in Earth’s Critical Zone and function as a ’geobattery’ – and hence play an important role in organic contaminant degradation, metal sequestration and release, and global element cycling. In this project, we will investigate different aspects of electron transfer using complementary methods ranging from wet-chemical experiments to atomistic simulations, to address the persisting knowledge gaps. The PhD student will focus on the experimental aspects of the work, work closely with a postdoctoral fellow carrying out atomistic simulations, and will be supported by a team of experts. The experiments will probe the reduction and oxidation of iron in the structure of clay minerals, quantify the reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, and include advanced spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical methods. This multidisciplinary project is embedded in the Laboratory for Waste Management (LES) and implemented in close collaboration with partners at the University of Bern and Penn State University, USA.

For the Clay Systems Group we are looking for a

PhD Student - Electron transfer processes at clay minerals

Your tasks

• You will conduct laboratory experiments on redox process of iron-bearing clay minerals. This will involve investigations of electron transfer reactions to and from clay mineral iron with the help of kinetic experiments, spectroscopies, and a range of complementary aqueous and solid phase analyses (e.g., HPLC, XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy, electrochemical methods).
• You will actively participate and collaborate in the larger research project (SNSF funded) on electron transfer at clay minerals. This will include collaboration with national and international team members and a research stay of up to 6 months in the laboratory of the collaborator Prof. Chris Gorski at Penn State University, USA, to conduct electrochemical experiments.
• You will assess and interpret the data collected, communicate your results at conferences and in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals, and write a PhD thesis to complete your studies.

Your profile

• You hold a master’s degree in chemistry, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• You are highly motivated to conduct laboratory work and have prior experience in working in a chemical laboratory environment.
• Experience in aqueous and solid phase analyses (e.g., HPLC, XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy) is advantageous.
• You have excellent communication and time management skills.
• You are excited to work in a multidisciplinary team and are willing to spend up to 6 months abroad (Penn State University, USA) for a specific part of your PhD project.
• In this international project team, excellent knowledge of English is essential, and the ability to communicate in German is an advantage.

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

You will be enrolled at the University of Bern.

For further information, please contact Dr Anke Neumann, phone +41 56 310 3813.

Please submit your application, including a motivation letter and addresses of referees, online by 10 July 2026 for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 4402-28173).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Emily Kulowatz, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland