jobs for Ph.D. students

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Recently I posted an advertisement for two positions at our institute. It
contained the sentence "Applications of women are explicitly invited."
NEVER USE SUCH A SENTENCE! We got applications only from female students.
We do not discriminate according to Xes and Ys in the genetic code. The
quality of the applicants is decisive (and consequently the female/male
ratio is 1:1 in our group). The invitation to women was motivated by past
experience when only men applied for open positions. We were told by
potential candidates that technology applications discourage women (which
is certainly not justified and not desirable).

Some applicants misunderstood the text and thought we were looking for
Postdocs. We are definitely looking for students working on Ph.D. projects.



Here's the advertisement again:

Doctoral Student Positions

The ETH micropaleontology group is looking for two young scientists with
basic backgrounds in paleontology or biology and interests in quantitative
micropaleontology. Candidates should have a M.Sc. degree, a Diplom, or
equivalent qualifications.

Potential Ph.D. projects on planktic foraminifera concentrate on studies of
oceanic-neritic gradients in the living plankton and Holocene sediments in
the Caribbean and the evolution of biodiversity and biogeography in the
Neogene and Quaternary. We plan to assess the role of early carbonate
dissolution in the carbon cycle using new technology. Other projects
include applications of an automated microfossil classification system and
morphometric research with our image analysis systems. We support
suggestions for further development of innovative technology in
micropaleontology and innovative applications of microfossils for
environmental analyses. The project definitions will be made in agreement
with preferences and career plans of the successfull applicants.

The salary is comparable with standards for Ph.D. students in North America
and other European countries. Applications of women are explicitly invited.
Applicants should not be discouraged by possible technology applications.
The scientific staff at our institute is international and communicates in
German or English. Specific questions should be sent to Heinz Hilbrecht,
Geologisches Institut, ETH-Zentrum, Sonneggstr. 5, CH-8092 Zürich,
Switzerland. Telephone: ++41-1 -  632 3676, Fax: ++41-1 - 6321080,
Internet: Hilbrecht@erdw.ethz.ch (e-mail preferred).

Applications should be received by 1st July 1995. The positions will be
filled as soon as possible.

Please send your curriculum vitae, academic record, and a brief description
of your research interests to:

Prof. Hans R. Thierstein
Geologisches Institut
ETH-Zentrum
Sonneggstr. 5
CH-8092 Zürich
Switzerland.
FAX: ++41-1 - 6321080
Internet: Thierstein@erdw.ethz.ch


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Ph.D. projects must be finished after 4 years.
The salary is not enough to support a family.
The students should start this year.
We have the sample material for most projects; carbonate dissolution work
may involve field work in the Caribbean; need for other fieldwork depends
on the project.
Candidates from outside Switzerland should not be afraid. The about 50% (or
more?) non-Swiss scientists at our institute demonstrate good possibilities
to survive and feel good in Switzerland. German and English are the common
languages at our institute in daily life and teaching.
There will be time to learn and to become familiar with microfossils & methods.
We have more than enough specific planktic foram projects to suggest.
Students should choose and make their own contributions to their research
plan. Time and resources to evaluate potential lines of research and to
support decisions will be available.
The supervising comittee consists of 3-6 persons, including outside
supervisers. They are chosen in agreement with the sudents.





Heinz Hilbrecht

Address:
Geological Institute
ETH Zentrum
Sonneggstrasse 5
CH-8092 Zuerich
Switzerland

Tel.: ++41-1-63 23676
Fax: ++41-1-63 21080
Internet: Hilbrecht@erdw.ethz.ch