PhD position in geomagnetism and rock magnetism, Zurich

The knowledge of the geomagnetic field evolution during archeological time is well constrained starting from the Roman period. In this project, we try to extend this knowledge to older periods: the Mesolithic, the Neolithic, the Copper and the Bronze Age (about 8000 to 3000 BC).

For this purpose we will perform a field campaign to three different sites in Switzerland and Northern Italy, and sample well stratified burned soils (fumiers) and villages.
Measurements of the basic rock magnetic parameters, directions and intensities of the geomagnetic field will be measured at the Laboratory for Natural Magnetism in Zurich, and tied with 14C dates that will be available through the ETH Zurich.
The results will help analyzing the firing conditions under which the burned soils formed, decipher the dynamics leading to the collapse of the buildings during the fire, and help reconstructing the geomagnetic field evolution between 8000 and 3000 BC. These results will also be tied with an ongoing study on the magnetic properties of Swiss lake sediments that cover the same time-span.

The candidate should have a good knowledge of geophysics (in particular rock magnetism), and archeology. Computer programming such fortran, matlab, or python are also preferred. The project is three years long.

Please submit your application including CV, motivation letter, and copies of academic qualifications and references to fabio.donadini@erdw.ethz.ch. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2010.