Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Position - Co-evaluating Bio-inputs for Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Sustainable Agroecosystem Group at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated Postdoc for a project dedicated to smallholder farmer-relevant agroecological innovations in Kenya. Our group focuses on understanding the interactions among agroecosystem management options, plant-soil relationships, nutrient cycling, and soil microbiome functionality within a transdisciplinary framework, ensuring that our research outcomes are relevant and beneficial for a farmer-led transition to sustainable agriculture.

Project Background

ETH Zurich has launched a new farmer-based agroecology innovation research initiative called the Agroecology Academy - Africa, with a parallel base in Western Kenya. This initiative aims to contribute the latest insights in agroecological science and investigate easily adoptable solutions to enhance the situation of farmers by improving soil fertility, crop productivity, income, farming system resilience, and agricultural sustainability. By connecting agricultural stakeholders—including smallholder farmers, extension specialists, and food processors—to academic research, the Academy seeks to implement effective research outcomes that enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The initiative will focus on three key areas:

• Farmer-centred research
• Translation of research into action
• Knowledge exchange, training, and education

To maximize project outcomes and scale them to additional regions and communities, universal principles will be identified for application across the African continent.

Job Description

This postdoctoral project aims to compile local farmer knowledge on agroecological practices, with a particular focus on locally produced bioinputs (biofertilizers and biopesticides) to enhance productivity sustainably.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting a local farming practices knowledge study in Western Kenya through literature reviews, farmer surveys, focus group discussions with smallholder farmers and food systems actors, and interviews with local food system authorities.
• Performing a meta-analysis of locally produced bio-inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Conducting rigorous on-farm testing of locally sourced bio-inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) in Western Kenya.

Profile

• PhD in agronomy, soil science, crop science, or related fields.
• Experience in interdisciplinary projects assessing agricultural sustainability holistically.
• Interest and expertise in agroecology from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
• Excellent academic track record with a strong background in agroecosystem management research, data compilation, and analysis techniques.
• Experience with surveys, focus groups, and interviews is highly advantageous.
• Fundamentally motivated and self-organized.
• Able to foster a positive team dynamic and contribute to a welcoming work environment.
• Capable of integrating strong individual research with teamwork within an interdisciplinary project and open-minded towards transdisciplinary research.
• Willingness to engage in extensive fieldwork under tropical sun conditions.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Workplace

At ETH Zurich, you will work in an intellectually stimulating environment equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, measurement tools, and computational facilities. This position offers an opportunity to engage in a transdisciplinary environment that fosters broad perspectives and professional networks. We provide salaries in accordance with Postdoctoral levels at ETH Zurich, along with other attractive working conditions. The proposed starting date is 1 July 2026, and the position is limited to 24 months with the possibility of a 24-month extension.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we maintain a fair and open environment conducive to growth. Sustainability is a core value, and we actively work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

For more information about our research group, please visit our website. If you have any questions regarding the position, please reach out to Johan Six at jsix@ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

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