PhD Candidate in Crop Phenotyping / PhD Candidate in Crop Phenotyping

PhD Position in Crop Phenotyping (PhenoMix Project)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

This doctoral student position is part of the PhenoMix project: 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 in 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.

Project Background

PhenoMix is a collaborative initiative involving four research groups at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Data Science Center, and Agroscope. The overall objective is to test the hypothesis that current high throughput field phenotyping (HTFP) technology, combined with plant physiological assessments and data science, can lead to breakthroughs in identifying genotypes that can be successfully combined in agroecologically beneficial legume-cereal mixtures. Various varieties of peas, lentils, wheat, oats, and barley will be cultivated under our field phenotyping platform (FIP - Crop Science | ETH Zurich), on a neighboring experimental field, and on farmers' fields. The work packages of PhenoMix cover phenotyping, plant ecophysiology, data science, and agro-economic assessments, involving four doctoral students, two postdocs, and several technicians. The Crop Phenotyping doctoral student will focus on collecting HTFP data, enhancing phenotyping workflows, and developing a field robot for efficient phenotyping.

Job Description

This doctoral project is a crucial component of the overall initiative, with specific responsibilities tailored to individual skills and interests. The primary tasks include:

• Collecting HTFP data from various phenotyping devices, including the FIP (multi-view RGB imaging), drones, handheld, and manual devices.
• Contributing to the design and/or establishment of a phenotyping robot to gather data using RGB cameras and other sensors.
• Enhancing phenotyping workflows and models to extract traits such as canopy height, canopy cover, tillering, reflectance, senescence, or growth dynamics.
• Performing statistical analyses, including AI-based approaches.
• Presenting results at national and international events and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assisting in plot establishment, maintenance, and harvesting across all work packages of PhenoMix.

Profile

• A Master’s degree in agricultural, data or engineering sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with fieldwork.
• Strong statistical skills.
• Programming experience (e.g., in R or Python).
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Excellent writing skills.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Able to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience in crop phenotyping and good oral communication skills in German are advantageous.

Workplace

The workplace offers an inspiring environment at ETH Zurich, which values diversity, creativity, and sustainability. We actively promote an inclusive culture and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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.
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports opportunities through ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and our direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that encourages independent thinking and fosters an environment of excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally to develop solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.