Head of Research Group Climate and Agriculture

About the job

Zurich, Planned workplace from 2028: Posieux (and home office) | 80-100% (job sharing possible)

You can contribute in this way

• Leading the research group "Climate and Agriculture"
• Research, development and evaluation of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in agriculture, including a focus on the role of soils as a greenhouse gas source and/or sink
• Coordination of a research call in Agroscope's work programme
• Knowledge transfer (participation in committees at Agroscope, exchange with relevant federal offices, representation of Agroscope at national and international events, mentoring of young scientists)

What makes you unique

• Completed doctorate in the field of climate sciences, ecology, environmental systems sciences, agricultural sciences or similar disciplines
• Enthusiasm for strategic research planning and development of research projects. Ability to think in an interconnected way across research areas in agriculture
• Several years (>5 years) of professional and leadership experience in the subject area, leadership skills, team-oriented, communicative, goal- and result-oriented as well as creative personality
• Proven experience in acquiring third-party funding
• Good knowledge of two official languages and English

In a nutshell

The research area Agricultural Ecology and Environment examines the impacts of agriculture on various environmental dimensions: climate, air, soil, biodiversity, nutrient cycles and water. Based on the principles of agroecology and using real data, solutions for sustainable agriculture are developed. Networking between disciplines is essential to identify synergies and goal conflicts.

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 the workplace 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

The research group Climate and Agriculture investigates options to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of soil, fertilisation and carbon sinks. It examines the opportunities and risks of climate change for crop production and evaluates adaptation options. Furthermore, it is responsible for the agricultural greenhouse gas inventory of Switzerland.

Questions about the position

Lutz Merbold
Head of Research Area Agricultural Ecology and Environment
+41 58 46 31517

Sandra Zurbuchen Eichenberger
+41 58 46 30562