Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and cutting-edge plant biotechnology? A fully funded postdoctoral opportunity is now available at Agroscope, Switzerland’s leading agricultural research center. This 3-year post-doc position is part of the prestigious CRISPS project (“Editing Sustainable and Innovative Potatoes for Switzerland”), under the Swiss National Research Program 84 (NRP 84) focused on plant breeding innovation.
🌍 Job Location
- Current Location: Agroscope, Zürich
- Planned Relocation: Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Start Date: 01 September 2025 or as agreed
- Contract Duration: Temporary (until 31 August 2028)
- Reference Code: JRQ$540-15362
🔬 Project Overview: Advancing Transgene-Free Genome Editing in Potatoes
This research project aims to develop climate-resilient potato varieties that are drought-tolerant and disease-resistant through transgene-free genome editing technologies. The project integrates advanced molecular biology, genome sequencing, and phenotypic analysis in both greenhouse and field environments.
Collaborate with world-renowned institutions including:
- Wageningen University, Netherlands
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable crop development in Europe.
🧬 Key Responsibilities
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:
- Design and implement targeted genome editing in potatoes
- Monitor editing events using real-time PCR and sequencing techniques
- Perform heat stress and disease resistance assays in greenhouses and field trials
- Conduct phenotypic assessments of GM potato field trials
- Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to analyze genomic and epigenomic effects
- Attend and present at international research consortium meetings
👩🔬 Candidate Profile: Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates will have:
- A PhD in crop science, molecular breeding, plant biotechnology, or related field
- Hands-on experience in molecular biology, preferably with long-read sequencing
- A solid publication record in peer-reviewed international journals
- A collaborative mindset with the ability to work across diverse research teams
- Bonus: Experience in genomic analysis and bioinformatics
- Language Proficiency: English (mandatory) and at least one official Swiss language (preferred)
🌱 Why This Postdoc Matters: Sustainability & Innovation
Join a cutting-edge initiative shaping the future of climate-smart agriculture. This role offers the opportunity to:
- Contribute to transgene-free genome editing innovations
- Accelerate the breeding of climate-resilient crops
- Apply bioinformatics to monitor genome-wide editing impacts
- Help reduce the use of agrochemicals in European potato farming
🧪 About Agroscope – Excellence in Agricultural Research
Agroscope is the Swiss Federal Centre of Excellence for Agricultural Research, operating under the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). Agroscope focuses on:
- Food security
- Environmental sustainability
- Modern agricultural innovation
With a strong network of national and international collaborations, Agroscope supports science-driven solutions for sustainable food systems.
📍 Project Location Details
- Current Site: Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
- Future Site: 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland (relocation planned mid-project)
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Etienne Bucher, Group Leader
📩 How to Apply
Ready to make an impact in agricultural genomics?
Apply now through the official Agroscope application portal. Be sure to mention the Reference Code JRQ$540-15362 in your application.