Staff Research Scientist - Potato Breeding and Genomics

Agroscope; Zürich; In loco; CHF 90.000 - 120.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Working for Switzerland

Diversity & inclusion

Health at work

Good food & healthy environment

Descrizione del lavoro

Agroscope in Zurich, Switzerland is seeking a committed, independent researcher to develop innovative potato breeding approaches and to accelerate their translation from basic research to practical breeding applications. You will lead project management and research planning, drive pre-breeding efforts including mutagenesis and new breeding methods, and conduct field trials and fundamental breeding work.

The role also covers genomics and bioinformatics, plus publishing results and engaging

Competenze

• PhD (or equivalent) in plant genetics, plant breeding or plant physiology. Skills in phenotyping stress responses and diseases. Experience with field trials or novel breeding methods are a plus

Mansioni

• Project management and research planning: Responsible and autonomous management of the project as well as planning and coordination of the associated research activities
• Innovative potato breeding: Developing and implementing pre-breeding approaches, including mutagenesis and novel breeding methods, as well as carrying out field trials, screening and fundamental breeding processes
• Genomics and bioinformatics: Performing and assessing genomic studies with a focus on genomics, epigenomics and bioinformatics, and translating the findings into application-oriented breeding approaches
• Scientific publication and knowledge transfer: Generating usable results for breeding, practitioners and the sector; independent publication of research results in recognised professional journals and presentation of papers at national and international congresses. Active knowledge exchange with stakeholders
• Acquisition and management of third-party-funded projects, including developing and drafting project applications; supervision of students

Descrizione del lavoro

• We are looking for a committed and independent individual to develop innovative approaches to potato breeding and, working together with partners from research and breeding, to expedite the implementation of these approaches in basic research through to practical breeding applications
• Project management and research planning: Responsible and autonomous management of the project as well as planning and coordination of the associated research activities
• Innovative potato breeding: Developing and implementing pre-breeding approaches, including mutagenesis and novel breeding methods, as well as carrying out field trials, screening and fundamental breeding processes
• Genomics and bioinformatics: Performing and assessing genomic studies with a focus on genomics, epigenomics and bioinformatics, and translating the findings into application-oriented breeding approaches
• Scientific publication and knowledge transfer: Generating usable results for breeding, practitioners and the sector; independent publication of research results in recognised professional journals and presentation of papers at national and international congresses. Active knowledge exchange with stakeholders
• Acquisition and management of third-party-funded projects, including developing and drafting project applications; supervision of students

Zurich, Switzerland | 80-100%

This is how you can contribute

• We are looking for a committed and independent individual to develop innovative approaches to potato breeding and, working together with partners from research and breeding, to expedite the implementation of these approaches in basic research through to practical breeding applications
• Project management and research planning: Responsible and autonomous management of the project as well as planning and coordination of the associated research activities
• Innovative potato breeding: Developing and implementing pre-breeding approaches, including mutagenesis and novel breeding methods, as well as carrying out field trials, screening and fundamental breeding processes
• Genomics and bioinformatics: Performing and assessing genomic studies with a focus on genomics, epigenomics and bioinformatics, and translating the findings into application-oriented breeding approaches
• Scientific publication and knowledge transfer: Generating usable results for breeding, practitioners and the sector; independent publication of research results in recognised professional journals and presentation of papers at national and international congresses. Active knowledge exchange with stakeholders
• Acquisition and management of third-party-funded projects, including developing and drafting project applications; supervision of students

This makes you unique

• PhD (or equivalent) in plant genetics, plant breeding or plant physiology. Skills in phenotyping stress responses and diseases. Experience with field trials or novel breeding methods are a plus
• You are highly motivated, self-reliant, resilient and a proactive team-player. You have experience in collaborating with partners from research and practice as well as publishing in international professional journals, and enjoy working in an international team
• You have innovative ideas and have already written and/or managed (Swiss or EU) project applications, and enjoy national and international networking
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English

In a nutshell

The aim of this project is to adapt potatoes to climate change and new diseases as rapidly as possible. Are you ready for this challenge?

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 'Crop Genome Dynamics' Research Group investigates how plants can adapt rapidly to climate change at a genetic and epigenetic level. These basic findings support the development of new breeding methods and approaches, which then should help make our crops more 'climate-ready' faster. For this, the Research Group uses genomic and epigenomic bioinformatics tools.

Questions about the position

Etienne Bucher

Head of Research Group [phone]

Questions about applying

Raphaël Brandt

[phone]