Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Earth and Planetary Evolution (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences)

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Earth and Planetary Evolution

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" 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 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.

Assistant professorships have been established to promote the careers of early-career scientists. ETH Zurich implements a tenure track system equivalent to that of other top international universities.

ETH Zurich is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, values diversity, and is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.

Application

Please apply online

Applications should include a covering letter; a curriculum vitae; a list of publications; three statements on a) research, b) teaching, c) leadership; descriptions of the three most important achievements*; and a certificate of the highest degree. Please note that the covering letter should be formally addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot.

The closing date for applications is 15 December 2026.

Further information about D-EAPS can be found on our (no applications).

Please note that applications should be submitted through our online application tool (see link above).

*ETH Zurich emphasizes qualitative assessment of academic accomplishments. This is why you are kindly asked to submit a short description of your three most important achievements (maximum a half page each). Besides research findings, these could also be extraordinary achievements in teaching and its further development, services in the benefit of the academic community or society, software development, patents, knowledge transfer and its practical application, spin-off companies or similar.

Please note: For assistant professors, an appointment at an early stage in the career is sought. When comparing the performance of candidates, the respective academic net age as the period since the doctoral examination that was spent for scientific work is taken into account. This period should not exceed eight years at the time of application.