Breeding Researcher 80 - 100%

Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) Landwirtschaftlicher Betrieb; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) Landwirtschaftlicher Betrieb is seeking a lead researcher to manage an onion breeding project, driving innovative breeding strategies, genomics and phenotyping across pre-breeding stages. You will advance disease-resistance and climate-resilience traits while coordinating with national and international partners.

The role emphasizes project leadership, securing competitive funding and disseminating findings to practitioners in agriculture and

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant discipline with research focus in breeding or genetics.
• Strong knowledge of modern breeding methods and genomics.
• Experience in securing third-party funding and project management.

Responsibilities

• Operational and scientific management of a research project for onion breeding development.
• Develop and implement innovative breeding approaches across pre-breeding, genomics and phenotyping.
• Build expertise in disease-resistance and climate-resilience breeding for onions.
• Network with research and breeding partners, prepare project applications and manage funding.
• Publish results and disseminate to practitioners.
• Supervise junior researchers and collaborate with national and international partners.

Skills

Genomic selection knowledge

Marker-assisted selection

Genetic association studies

Genome analysis

Phenotyping

Interdisciplinary project experience

Strategic thinking

Communication and networking skills

Languages: Swiss official languages +

Education

PhD/Doctorate in plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology or a comparable discipline

Job description

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

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.

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.