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.

Are you passionate about climate change adaptation, plant genomics, and AI-driven research? A fully funded PhD opportunity in Genomic Vulnerability and Climate Resilience is now open at the prestigious Université Paris-Saclay in France. This interdisciplinary PhD combines environmental genomics, machine learning, statistics, and plant science to build tools for understanding species resilience under climate stress.

About the PhD Program

As climate change accelerates, predicting how plant populations respond to extreme environmental shifts is critical for ensuring global food security. This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of genomic adaptation in crops like maize and teosinte under future climate scenarios.

Key Objective: Develop cutting-edge statistical and deep learning methods to model genomic vulnerability using Genome-Environment Association (GEA) and Genomic Offset (GO) frameworks.

Why Choose This PhD?

• Host Laboratory: MIA Lab at INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay — a hub for innovation in statistical modeling and quantitative genetics.
• Expert Supervision: Work under the guidance of leading scientists including Julie Aubert, Tristan Mary-Huard, M. Tenaillon, Laurence Moreau, and Mathieu Gautier.
• Collaborative Research: Jointly conducted with UMR Génétique Quantitative et Évolution and the University of Montpellier.
• Real-World Relevance: Focused on analyzing genomic data of maize and teosinte to assess their drought tolerance and climate resilience.

Research Highlights

• Climate change impact modeling
• Environmental and adaptive genomics
• Machine learning & neural networks
• High-dimensional data analysis
• Variational inference & stochastic optimization

Who Should Apply?

If you have a strong background in applied mathematics, machine learning, or statistics, and you’re curious about genomics and environmental adaptation, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Machine Learning, or related fields
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Interest in plant biology, climate science, and computational genomics
• Motivation to work on real-world problems with an interdisciplinary team

Program Details

• Degree Level: PhD in Environmental and Computational Genomics
• Location: Université Paris-Saclay, France
• Start Date: September or October 2025
• Duration: 3 years
• Funding Source: CLand Project & PEPR Maths-Vives
• Doctoral School: École Doctorale de Mathématiques Hadamard (EDMH)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email:

• CV (with academic background and skills)
• Cover Letter (outlining your motivation and fit for the project)
• Contact details of two academic referees

Send Applications To:

• Tristan Mary-Huard: tristan.mary-huard@agroparistech.fr
• Julie Aubert: julie.aubert@agroparistech.fr

Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is highly encouraged!