Laboratory Technician for Plant Genetic Resources (50%)

About the job

Zurich, Switzerland | 50-50% |

How you can contribute

• Maintenance of the in vitro nuclear stock under sterile conditions, primarily potatoes and vines
• Preparation and testing of suitable nutrient media as well as cleaning of the in vitro material
• Disinfection and cleaning of plant material (thermotherapy, virucides, meristem excision) as well as organisation of health inspections
• Production of clones, transport to the greenhouse and distribution of plant material to partners and customers
• Identification of varieties using molecular markers: DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis or sequencing as well as evaluation of results
• Maintenance of databases, including the national database, and support of research trials as well as laboratory organisation

What makes you unique

• Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ) as a biological laboratory technician
• Experience working under sterile conditions (in vitro) and in molecular biology, acquired during training or professional experience
• Independence and meticulousness in maintaining the nuclear stock
• Confident use of Office applications and databases
• Team spirit, customer orientation and enjoyment of working in an international environment
• Knowledge of two official languages and English

In a nutshell

Old potato and vine varieties are preserved in test tubes. You are responsible for their care and the preservation of these valuable genetic resources for research and future generations. You work in the fields of in vitro culture and molecular biology, ensuring that each variety remains healthy, is identified, and is made available to partners as needed.

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 in Bern-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux FR). Agroscope is part of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

Additional information

The Plant Genome Dynamics research group investigates how plants can rapidly adapt to climate change at the genetic and epigenetic level. This fundamental knowledge supports the development of new breeding methods and approaches, which are intended to help make our crops "climate-ready" more quickly. The research group uses genomic and epigenomic bioinformatics tools for this purpose.

Questions about the position

Etienne Bucher
Head of Research Group
+41 58 48 39753