Open PhD position

Application Deadline: 10. August 2026

PhD Position in Sustainable Food Production
with Biologicals (80 %, 4 Years)

Our Agroecology & Plant Microbiome Interactions Group (University of Zurich & Agroscope) is offering a PhD position on biologicals for sustainable agriculture. Building on recent work showing up to 40% yield increases through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the project will test additional beneficial microbes and evaluate whether microbial inoculation can reduce fertilizer and pesticide use under real field conditions.

You will work in a dynamic team of ~25 members with excellent laboratory, greenhouse, and field facilities.

Your responsibilities

Field and greenhouse experiments with AMF and other beneficial microbes

Molecular and microscopy analyses (qPCR, metabarcoding)

Data analysis and publication in peer‑reviewed journals

Your profile

Master’s degree in microbiology, agronomy, microbial ecology, microbiome research or botany

Experience with plant experiments or molecular/microbiological methods

Strong statistics skills are an advantage

Team‑oriented, motivated, willing to work in the field

English as working language

Application

Submit one PDF (CV, summary of research experience, two referees).

Contact: Prof. Dr. Marcel van der Heijden

Official UZH job posting link

A further similar position (PhD, apprentice or scientist) is expected early next year. As there is extensive exchange with farmers, applicants who speak and write Swiss German or German or French have priority.