Summary
The Biotic Interactions Group (Prof. Matthias Erb) in collaboration with the Computer Vision Group (Prof. Paolo Favaro) at the University of Bern is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher (80–100%) to work on digital plant phenotyping. The project combines controlled plant experiments with computational analysis to extract growth and trait information from 3D plant models generated from smartphone videos and to link plant architecture with chemical signalling dynamics.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) in Digital Plant Phenotyping
Key Details
| Institution | University of Bern, Switzerland |
| Research groups | Biotic Interactions Group (Prof. Matthias Erb) & Computer Vision Group (Prof. Paolo Favaro) |
| Position | Postdoctoral researcher |
| Employment fraction | 80–100% |
| Duration | Appointment until 31 December 2028 |
| Start date | By agreement |
| Location | University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland |
| Salary | According to University of Bern regulations |
| Application materials | Single PDF (CV, motivation letter, three main achievements, two academic references) |
Research Area
Digital plant phenotyping, plant sciences, computational biology, computer vision, 3D plant reconstruction, chemical ecology and volatile dynamics.
Location
Bern, Switzerland — University of Bern. Access to plant growth facilities and computational support is provided.
Eligibility / Qualification
- A completed PhD in plant sciences, biology or a closely related field by the start date.
- Experience growing plants, running controlled experiments and measuring plant traits.
- Skills in experimental design, data management and statistical analysis.
- Interest in computational biology and willingness to learn methods for estimating plant traits from 3D models.
- Evidence of original scientific work and fluent written and spoken English.
- Ability to organize independent work and to collaborate across disciplines.
Scholarship / Position Description
This postdoctoral role is an equal mix of laboratory/greenhouse experiments and computational analysis. The successful candidate will:
- Grow and care for experimental plants and collect image data (including smartphone video) to generate 3D plant models.
- Measure plant growth and trait data and use them to develop and validate computational models that estimate traits from 3D reconstructions.
- Integrate plant architecture data with research on volatile dynamics to explore links between morphology and chemical signalling.
- Collaborate closely with specialists in computer vision and data science, contribute to data analysis and co-author scientific publications.
- Benefit from scientific mentoring and training in computational methods with opportunities to lead publications.
How to Apply
Submit a single PDF (maximum 10 MB) containing the following items:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Short motivation letter describing your plant science experience and interest in computational biology and this project
- A list and short description of your three main scientific achievements
- Contact details for two academic referees
Send your application via the online application link below. The position is open until filled. For questions, contact Prof. Matthias Erb at matthias.erb@unibe.ch.
Last Date for Apply
Open until filled.
Apply Link
Apply for the Postdoc in Digital Plant Phenotyping (University of Bern)
Additional Information
Further information about the Biotic Interactions Group can be found on their group webpage: Biotic Interactions Group — University of Bern.
