Summary
The Agroecology & Plant Microbiome Interactions Group at the University of Zurich (UZH) and Agroscope is offering a PhD position to research the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and other beneficial microorganisms on crop yield and soil health. The project, “Biological for a Sustainable Agriculture,” aims to assess if these biologicals can reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides in real-world agricultural settings to boost sustainability.
PhD Position: Sustainable Food Production with Biologicals, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (80% Workload)
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Information |
| Institution | University of Zurich (UZH) & Agroscope |
| Position Type | Temporary (4 Years) |
| Workload | 80% |
| Expected Start Date | October 1, 2026 (or by agreement) |
| Working Language | English |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Dr. Marcel van der Heijden |
Research Area
- Sustainable Agriculture & Ecological Farming Systems
- Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions
- Soil Biodiversity & Ecological Engineering
- Microbial Ecology (Fungi and Bacteria)
Location
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Eligibility & Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in microbiology, agronomy, microbial ecology, microbiome research, or botany with excellent grades.
- Practical expertise in one or more of the following: greenhouse or field experiments with plants, microbial ecology, fungi, bacteria, or molecular and microbiological methods.
- Strong statistical skills are considered an advantage.
- An achievement-oriented, open-minded personality with a strong capacity for teamwork.
- Willingness to perform physical fieldwork (harvest days are described as long and fun).
- English proficiency is required (the primary working language). Swiss German is an advantage for interacting with local farmers, but it is not mandatory.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Design and perform field and greenhouse experiments to test under which conditions and with which plant species inoculation with AMF and beneficial microbes promote crop yield.
- Utilize molecular tools (such as qPCR and metabarcoding) and microscopy to evaluate whether the inoculated microbes successfully colonize soil and/or plant roots in the field.
- Contribute actively to data analysis and project reporting.
- Prepare and publish research results in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
How to Apply
If you meet the requirements and are interested in the role, you must apply online by submitting a single PDF file that includes:
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A summary of your previous research projects (e.g., your Master’s thesis).
- The names and contact information of two referees.
Applications should be submitted directly through the official UZH Job Portal.
Last Date to Apply
Not explicitly specified. The position will likely remain open until a suitable candidate is found for the start date of October 1, 2026. It is highly recommended to submit your application as soon as possible.
