项目介绍

2026年4月11日

Both positions are part of the project “PhenoMix: Multidimensional field phenotyping of crop mixtures”, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. PhenoMix addresses different aspects of agroecologically beneficial legume-cereal crop mixtures in the field. Two of the four doctoral students are hosted by the Grassland Sciences group at ETH Zurich. Our group’s research focuses on the process- and system-understanding of biosphere‒atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange, plant ecophysiology, and ecosystem services of agroecosystems as well as stable isotope applications to study plant functional diversity. The Grassland Sciences group is a vibrant and international working group in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. We are looking for two reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated doctoral students with a passion for science to join our team.

Project background

The two doctoral positions are part of PhenoMix, a joint project at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Data Science Center, and Agroscope. PhenoMix focuses on legume-cereal mixtures, i.e., different varieties of pea and lentil as well as wheat, oats, and barley grown under an experimental field phenotyping platform and on a neighbouring field. Different Work Packages address phenotyping, plant ecophysiology, data science, and agro-economic assessments. The two doctoral students in our Work Package will assess differences in canopy microclimate and plant traits as well as ecosystem services between pure stands and crop mixtures. Based on stable carbon, nitrogen, and water isotope applications, they will determine light, nitrogen, and water use and assess complementarity in crop mixtures during three cropping seasons.

Job description

The two doctoral projects focus on canopy microclimate, plant traits, resource use, ecosystem services as well as complementarity of legumes and cereal crops grown in pure stands and mixtures. The focus of both individual doctoral projects will depend on existing skills and interest. Overall tasks include:

• Measurements of canopy microclimate, canopy architecture (e.g., height, leaf area index), plant traits, and biomass production to assess crop light and space use,
• Measurements of soil resource supply and plant sampling for stable isotope analyses to assess crop nitrogen and water use
• Quantification of litter decomposition, leaching, weed pressure, and yield quality to assess ecosystem services
• Evaluation of plant phenotyping models, jointly with the other Work Packages of PhenoMix
• Statistical analyses, including machine learning approaches
• Presentation at national and international events as well as publication
• Assistance in plot establishment, maintenance, and harvest across all Work Packages of PhenoMix

Both full-time positions are funded for four years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

Profile

• Upon starting, you must have completed a Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, biology, environmental sciences, ecology, or a closely related science field with experience in plant ecophysiology, soil science, community ecology, and/or stable isotopes
• You must have experience with fieldwork, good statistical skills, and programming experience (e.g., in R or Python)
• A good standard of written and spoken English as well as a driver’s license are mandatory
• Good writing skills and the ability to work in a team with an interdisciplinary background are expected

Workplace

We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

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We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 15 May 2026 with the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates with complete transcripts
• Contact information of two referees

The desired starting date is 1 August 2026. We will start interviewing candidates by mid-May 2026.

For further information about the Grassland Sciences group and PhenoMix please visit the respective websites. Questions regarding the positions can be directed to Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann (nina.buchmann@usys.ethz.ch).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.