University Intern in Fruit Breeding (Apples)

About the job

Wädenswil, Switzerland | 100-100% | This position is also suitable for career starters

What you can contribute

• Collaboration and independent execution of tasks in ongoing projects of the fruit breeding group with a focus on apple breeding
• Performing crosses in the field, tree and fruit evaluations, storage and quality analysis of fruit samples, disease screenings, etc.
• Data analysis and writing publications
• Preparation and execution of various events

What makes you unique

• Recently completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences or a related field (degree obtained within the last 18 months)
• Interest in applied research. Expertise in fruit growing and/or plant breeding is an advantage
• Committed, team-oriented and flexible personality
• Driving licence category B
• Knowledge of two official languages and English

In a nutshell

Our goal: Progress in production through site-adapted varieties for sustainable fruit growing of the future. The university internship enables participation in apple breeding and other projects (pear breeding, genetic gene resources) as well as insight into related topics such as phytopathology, storage, sensory analysis, phenotyping, etc.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the Swiss success model and work for the benefit of the population.
• Lived diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we develop our skills and bring in different perspectives.
• Healthy at work We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

All benefits

Good food, healthy environment

Agroscope is the federal competence centre for research in agriculture and food. The researchers carry out their activities at various locations in Switzerland. The headquarters is Bern-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux FR). Agroscope is part of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

Additional information

New, innovative fruit varieties combine the highest quality requirements from production, downstream stages and consumers with high productivity and robustness. This demand is followed by fruit breeding at Agroscope and, together with its partner organisation VariCom, aligns breeding accordingly. Agroscope leads and develops breeding programmes for apple, apricot and newly pear breeding within this framework.

Questions about the position

Andrea Patocchi
Group Leader
+41 58 46 06313