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, which focuses on the multidimensional field phenotyping of crop mixtures and is 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 research in phenotyping concentrates on developing methods and models to determine traits significant for crop breeding and variety testing.

Project Background

PhenoMix is a collaborative project involving four research groups at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Data Science Center, and Agroscope. The primary objective of PhenoMix is to investigate the hypothesis that the integration of current high-throughput field phenotyping (HTFP) technology, plant physiological assessments, and data science can significantly improve the identification of 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) on a neighboring experimental field and on farmers' fields. The work packages of PhenoMix address phenotyping, plant ecophysiology, data science, and agro-economic assessments, involving four doctoral students, two postdoctoral researchers, and several technicians. The Crop Phenotyping doctoral student will play a key role in collecting HTFP data, refining phenotyping workflows, and developing a field robot for streamlined phenotyping.

Job Description

This doctoral project will serve as a crucial component in the overall PhenoMix project, with specific tasks tailored to your skills, interests, and alignment with ongoing postdoctoral projects. General responsibilities include:

• Collection of HTFP data from various phenotyping devices, including the FIP (multi-view RGB imaging), drones, and handheld/ manual devices.
• Contribution to the design and/or implementation of a phenotyping robot capable of acquiring data from RGB cameras and potentially other sensors.
• Enhancing phenotyping workflows and models to extract key traits such as canopy height, canopy cover, tillering, reflectance, senescence, or growth dynamics from the data.
• Conducting 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 harvest across all PhenoMix work packages.

Profile

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

Workplace

The workplace will be located at ETH Zurich, known for its commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

We Offer

• A role with impact: Join ETH Zurich, where your professional development is supported while contributing to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing services, a wide range of sports activities provided by ASVZ, childcare options, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our core values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and nurturing a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to see how we maintain a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is imperative to us; we consistently strive towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please ensure your application includes the following documents:

• Cover letter (maximum two pages) detailing your background, motivation, and qualifications.
• CV.
• Full transcripts of Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• A link to your MSc thesis (either draft or final version).
• Contact information for two referees.

The desired starting date is 1 August 2026. This full-time position is funded for four years. Salary and social benefits are in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further details about the Crop Science group and PhenoMix, please visit the respective websites. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Achim Walter at achim.walter@usys.ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the leading universities globally, specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our premier education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and effective transfer of new knowledge into the broader society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find ETH Zurich a space that nurtures independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, our institution forges connections worldwide to tackle the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.