About the PhD Position
The University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland, invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in Sedimentology and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction within the Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) and the Institute of Surface Dynamics (IDYST). This interdisciplinary doctoral project aims to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental evolution and sediment dynamics of ancient harbour basins in Portus (Italy) and Carthage (Tunisia), providing advanced insights into historical human-environment interactions. The position is supervised by Dr. Brahimsamba Bomou and Prof. Samuel Jaccard, offering candidates extensive training in sedimentology, geoarchaeology, and environmental reconstruction techniques.
The PhD is funded for four years under the Swiss national PhD programme, ensuring comprehensive support for research activities, fieldwork, and advanced laboratory training. The project involves sediment coring, mineralogical (XRD) analyses, granulometry, geochemical studies, biological proxies, and OSL/14C dating, integrated with high-resolution stratigraphic frameworks. Candidates will benefit from a dynamic academic environment with multiple opportunities for national and international collaboration, enhancing professional and scientific development.
This position is ideally suited for candidates holding a Master’s degree in geology, geophysics, physics, computer science, data science, or related natural sciences, who aspire to build a research or academic career in sedimentology, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, or geoarchaeology. The programme provides structured doctoral training, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and opportunities to disseminate findings through publications, seminars, and conferences, strengthening international research networks.
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Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Sedimentology and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction
- Position type: PhD
- Institution: University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department: Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) & Institute of Surface Dynamics (IDYST), Faculty of Geosciences and Environment
- Research Group: Sedimentology Group
- Supervisor: Dr Brahimsamba Bomou & Prof. Samuel Jaccard
- Location: Lausanne,
- Country: Switzerland
- Duration: 4 years
- Start Date: April 2026 or upon agreement
- Funding: Fully Funded PhD
- Employment Type: Full-time, 100%
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s in relevant natural sciences or engineering
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Research Focus
- Sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of ancient harbour basins
- Mineralogical analyses (XRD) and granulometry
- Geochemical analyses (major/trace elements, Rock Eval, phosphorus, nitrogen)
- Biological proxies, including ostracod assemblages
- Chronology with 14C and OSL dating
- Harbour connectivity and sediment dynamics analysis
- Fieldwork, sediment coring, and data integration
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Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in geology, geophysics, physics, computer science, data science, or related natural sciences
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research integrating sedimentology, geochemistry, and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with fieldwork, laboratory analyses, or geochemical/mineralogical methods
- Interest in Mediterranean archaeology, ancient harbour systems, or geoarchaeology
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, high-quality research (≥70%) integrating sedimentological, geochemical, and dating methods
- Participate in teaching, supervision of BSc/MSc students, and laboratory maintenance (≤30%)
- Contribute to publications, conference presentations, and national/international collaborations
- Acquire advanced methodological expertise in sedimentology, palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, and analytical techniques
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via email in PDF format to: brahimsamba.bomou@unil.ch
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining research motivation and interests
- Curriculum Vitae including academic background, research/publications, and referees (2–3 contacts)
- Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts
Important Dates:
- Application Open: Immediately
- Application Deadline: 22 March 2026 (Central European Time)
- Interviews: If shortlisted, candidates may be contacted for an online or in-person interview
- Expected Start Date: 1 April 2026 (or upon agreement)
Where to Apply:
- University / Institute] Website: University of Lausanne Official Website
- Department / Research Group Information: Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE)
- Official Job Announcement: PhD in Sedimentological and Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction – UNIL
- Application Portal: Submit your application directly via email to brahimsamba.bomou@unil.ch
📧 Contact for Queries:
- Dr. Brahimsamba Bomou – brahimsamba.bomou@unil.ch
- Prof. Samuel Jaccard – samuel.jaccard@unil.ch
This PhD fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking fully funded research support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced academic training at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
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