Breeding Researcher

Agroscope; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Working for Switzerland model

Diversity and equal opportunities

Health and well-being at work

Job summary

Agroscope in Zürich is seeking a PhD-level scientist to lead an onion breeding project, combining pre-breeding, molecular methods, genomics and phenotyping to develop disease-resilient varieties. You will collaborate across research and practice, secure funding, and publish actionable results.

You will supervise junior researchers and work with national and international partners to advance a future-oriented onion breeding sector in Switzerland.

Qualifications

• PhD required in plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology or a comparable discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to manage scientific projects and secure funding.
• Strong communication and networking skills; ability to work with partners from research, breeding and practice.

Responsibilities

• Operational and scientific management of a research project for developing a future-oriented onion breeding sector.
• Developing and implementing innovative breeding approaches in pre-breeding, molecular plant breeding, genomics and phenotyping.
• Building and refining expertise in disease-resistance and climate-resilience breeding with a focus on onion breeding.
• Networking with research and breeding partners; preparing project applications and securing third-party funding; project management.
• Publishing results and disseminating them to practitioners.
• Supervising junior researchers and research assistants; collaborating with internal, national and international partners.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Networking

Languages: Swiss official + English

Education

PhD/Doctorate in plant breeding/genetics/molecular biology

Job description

Zürich, Switzerland | 80-100%

• Operational and scientific management of a research project for developing a future-oriented onion breeding sector
• Developing and implementing innovative breeding approaches in the fields of pre-breeding, molecular plant breeding, genomics and phenotyping
• Building and refining new expertise in disease-resistance and climate-resilience breeding with a focus on onion breeding
• Networking with research and breeding partners, preparing research project applications in the field of activity, securing third-party funding, and project management
• Publishing the results and disseminating them to practitioners
• Supervising junior researchers and research assistants; collaborating with internal, national and international partners

This is how you can contribute

• Operational and scientific management of a research project for developing a future-oriented onion breeding sector
• Developing and implementing innovative breeding approaches in the fields of pre-breeding, molecular plant breeding, genomics and phenotyping
• Building and refining new expertise in disease-resistance and climate-resilience breeding with a focus on onion breeding
• Networking with research and breeding partners, preparing research project applications in the field of activity, securing third-party funding, and project management
• Publishing the results and disseminating them to practitioners
• Supervising junior researchers and research assistants; collaborating with internal, national and international partners

This makes you unique

• PhD/Doctorate in plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology or a comparable discipline
• Sound knowledge of modern breeding methods such as genomic selection, marker-assisted selection, genetic association studies, genome analysis or phenotyping
• Interdisciplinary project experience; enjoys working with partners from research, breeding and agricultural practice
• Experience in developing and managing scientific projects and in securing competitive third-party funding
• Stategic thinker, high level of personal initiative and strong communication and networking skills
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English

In a nutshell

Through the SwissOnion Project, Agroscope is building new expertise in the development of robust onion varieties. You will be working in an interdisciplinary research environment with ample room to manoeuvre and collaborating with partners from science, breeding and practice to develop innovative breeding strategies for a resilient and productive agricultural sector of the future.

Our benefits

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the successful Swiss model and work for the public good.
• Embracing diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we draw on our expertise and contribute different perspectives.
• Staying healthy at work We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

All benefits

Good food, healthy environment

Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2026: Posieux), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

Additional information

The 'Breeding Research' Research Group develops new, innovative methods for breeding resistant, high-quality varieties for a sustainable and locally adapted agricultural sector.

Questions about the position

Samuel Wüst Head of Research Group [phone]

Questions about applying

Raphaël Brandt [phone]