PhD Candidate in Agro-Economic Analysis of Legume-Cereal Mixtures / PhD Candidate in Agro-Economic Analysis of Legume-Cereal Mixtures

PhD Position: Agro-Economic Analysis of Legume-Cereal Mixtures (PhenoMix project)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

This doctoral student position is part of the project PhenoMix: Multidimensional field phenotyping of crop mixtures, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The position is hosted by the Crop Science group, a vibrant and interdisciplinary working group within the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Our group’s phenotyping research focuses on developing methods and models to determine traits relevant for crop breeding and variety testing. The Agroscope research group Extension Arable Crops develops ecological solutions for disease, pest, and weed control while evaluating crop varieties suitable for Swiss conditions. We take a holistic approach to create sustainable, cost-efficient, and climate-resilient arable farming systems.

Project Background

PhenoMix is a collaborative project involving four research groups at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Data Science Center, and Agroscope. The overall objective of PhenoMix is to test the hypothesis that current high-throughput field phenotyping technology, in combination with plant physiological and ecosystem service assessments, can provide breakthroughs in identifying genotypes that can be successfully combined in agroecologically beneficial legume-cereal mixtures. Different varieties of legumes (peas, lentils) and cereals (wheat, oats, barley) will be grown in both pure stands and mixtures on the field phenotyping platform FIP of the Crop Science group, as well as on a neighboring experimental field and on farmers' fields. The PhenoMix work packages address phenotyping, plant ecophysiology, data science, and agronomic-economic performance, led by four doctoral students, two postdocs, and several technicians. The Agro-Economic doctoral student will establish and monitor on-site and on-farm field experiments investigating various lentil-cereal mixtures through the assessment of multiple ecosystem services.

Job Description

This doctoral project will serve as a crucial component within the larger project, with specific tasks aligned with other doctoral students and postdocs in PhenoMix. The primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Planning, conducting, and evaluating field and post-harvest laboratory experiments
• Performing statistical analyses, including AI-based approaches
• Presenting results at national and international events and publishing in peer-reviewed and practice-oriented journals
• Organizing national workshops for growers, the food industry, and consumers
• Assisting in plot establishment, maintenance, monitoring, and harvest across all work packages of PhenoMix

This full-time position is funded for four years, with salary and social benefits provided according to ETH Zurich guidelines. The place of work will be Agroscope in 8046 Zurich-Affoltern.

Profile

• A MSc degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, or a related field
• Strong interest in applied interdisciplinary research and a passion for complex field experiments
• Experience in planning laboratory and field experiments as well as in statistical analyses (e.g., R)
• Performance-oriented, team player with an open-minded personality
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Good writing capabilities
• Driver's license
• Experience in niche crops and good oral communication skills in German are beneficial

Workplace

The energetic and inclusive environment at ETH Zurich fosters collaboration and innovation among diverse groups of researchers and students.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car-sharing options, a wide array of sports offerings by ASVZ, childcare support, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We look forward to receiving your application, which includes the following documents:

• Letter of motivation describing your background, motivation, and qualifications
• CV
• BSc and MSc certificates with complete transcripts and a link to your MSc thesis
• Contact information of two referees

The desired starting date is 1 October 2026. We will start reviewing applications around mid-June 2026. For further information about the Crop Science group and the Extension Arable Crops group, as well as PhenoMix, please visit our respective websites. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Achim Walter (achim.walter@usys.ethz.ch) and Dr. Susanne Vogelgsang (susanne.vogelgsang@agroscope.admin.ch).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, it attracts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries who contribute to independent thought and an inspiring atmosphere of excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.