Professor or Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Critical Mineral Resources (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences)

Professor or Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Critical Mineral Resources

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich invites applications for the above-mentioned position.

Depending on the candidate's qualifications and career stage, the appointment will be made either at the level of Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) or Professor. The successful candidate is expected to develop an innovative research programme focused on the processes of ore formation, including a significant field-based component. A strong analytical foundation is essential. The research should contribute to a fundamental understanding of the processes controlling the formation, enrichment, and sustainable utilisation of critical mineral resources required for the energy transition and future low-carbon technologies.

Research themes of interest include, but are not limited to, the physical and chemical mechanisms governing critical element enrichment, the timescales of ore formation, mineral precipitation from fluids and melts, the valorisation of anthropogenic resources, and integrated approaches to resource assessment and sustainability. Candidates with a proven track record in field-based research, as well as experience in industry and policy engagement, are particularly encouraged to apply. The ability to effectively communicate with the public sector on issues related to sustainable raw material extraction is also highly desirable.

The successful candidate will integrate analytical innovation and theoretical modelling, forging strong connections with the mining and resource sectors. Building productive collaborations with stakeholders across government, industry, and both natural and anthropogenic resource sectors will be a key aspect of the role.

The new professor and her/his research group will contribute to introductory and advanced courses on ore formation and its sustainable exploitation, as well as to field and laboratory training. In general, at ETH Zurich undergraduate-level courses are taught in German or English and graduate-level courses are taught in English. 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 Requirements

Applications should include:

• A covering letter formally addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot
• A curriculum vitae
• A list of publications
• Three statements on a) research, b) teaching, c) leadership
• Descriptions of the three most important achievements (maximum a half page each)
• A certificate of the highest degree

ETH Zurich emphasizes qualitative assessment of academic accomplishments. Besides research findings, achievements could also include extraordinary contributions 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.

For assistant professors, an appointment at an early stage in the career is sought. 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.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2026.