Postdoctoral Researcher in Phenotyping of Crop Mixtures / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Phenotyping of Crop Mixtures

Postdoc Position in Phenotyping of Crop Mixtures (PhenoMix Project)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

This postdoctoral position is part of the project -PhenoMix: Multidimensional field phenotyping of crop mixtures-, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. This role is hosted by the Crop Science group, a vibrant and interdisciplinary team within the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Our group focuses on developing methods and models to determine traits that are vital for crop breeding and variety testing.

Project Background

PhenoMix is a collaborative initiative among four research groups at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Data Science Center, and Agroscope. The overarching goal is to evaluate the hypothesis that current high throughput field phenotyping (HTFP) technology, coupled with plant physiological assessments and data science, can revolutionize the identification of genotypes suitable for agroecologically beneficial legume-cereal mixtures. We aim to cultivate various cultivars of pea, lentil, wheat, oats, and barley within our field phenotyping platform (FIP), as well as neighboring experimental fields and farmers' lands.

PhenoMix Work Packages address diverse aspects including phenotyping, plant ecophysiology, data science, and agro-economic assessments, with four doctoral students, two postdocs, and several technicians assigned to these initiatives. The postdoc role focused on the Phenotyping of Crop Mixtures will coordinate several key activities within the PhenoMix project, contribute to collecting HTFP data, enhance phenotyping workflows, and assist in developing a field robot for efficient phenotyping.

Job Description

This postdoctoral position will play a crucial role in the PhenoMix project, with responsibilities tailored to individual skills, interests, and alignment with at least one other data science postdoctoral position and a doctoral student focusing on Crop Phenotyping within the Crop Science group.

Key tasks include:

• Co-design and coordinate field experiments and work plans for HTFP data collection
• Contribute to fieldwork and the collection of HTFP data from various phenotyping devices such as the FIP (multi-view RGB imaging), drones, and handheld tools
• Assist in the design and/or establishment of a phenotyping robot capable of collecting data from RGB cameras and potentially other sensors
• Develop modeling approaches to predict optimal cereal-legume combinations
• Supervise and mentor students from BSc to PhD-level
• Support in delivering lectures and seminars for the Crop Science group
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at national and international conferences
• Engage in international research networks and apply for funding opportunities
• The initial contract lasts two years, with the possibility of extension aligning with the full duration of this four-year project, contingent on satisfactory performance
• Salary and social benefits are determined according to ETH Zurich regulations

Profile

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A PhD in agricultural sciences or a related field
• Several years of research experience in field crop phenotyping
• Strong statistical and programming capabilities (e.g., R or Python)
• Evidence of research excellence through peer-reviewed publications
• A commitment to teaching, mentoring, teamwork, and team coordination
• A valid driver's license
• Good oral communication skills in German are highly advantageous

Workplace

Join a dynamic and innovative research environment at ETH Zurich, where collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged.

We Offer

• An impactful role: Become part of ETH Zurich, which fosters professional development while contributing to positive societal changes
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide range of sports amenities through ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunity, appreciate diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Our dedication to sustainability is evident as we consistently strive for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is renowned globally for its excellence in science and technology education, groundbreaking research, and seamless integration of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we cultivate an environment that prizes independent thought and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to tackle the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.