Agroscope
Postdoctorand UE project "DeepHorizon"
8046 Zürich (Expected place of work from 2026 : 1725 Posieux) | 80%
good food, healthy environment
The 'Climate and Agriculture' Research Group explores options for reducing agricultural greenhouse-gas emissions from soils and fertilisers and through carbon sinks. The Group investigates the opportunities and risks posed by climate change for plant production and evaluates options for adaptation. It is also responsible for the Swiss Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
The well-being of Europe's soil is under threat. This is knwon from extensive research conducted on topsoils. However, subsoils remain largely unexplored. DeepHorizon seeks to unveil the present condition of subsoils through collaborative efforts of 20 international project partners. Your task is to characterise the composition of organic matter in bogs of varying land-use intensities.
The 'Climate and Agriculture' Research Group explores options for reducing agricultural greenhouse-gas emissions from soils and fertilisers and through carbon sinks. The Group investigates the opportunities and risks posed by climate change for plant production and evaluates options for adaptation. It is also responsible for the Swiss Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
The well-being of Europe's soil is under threat. This is knwon from extensive research conducted on topsoils. However, subsoils remain largely unexplored. DeepHorizon seeks to unveil the present condition of subsoils through collaborative efforts of 20 international project partners. Your task is to characterise the composition of organic matter in bogs of varying land-use intensities.
This is how you can contribute
- Taking soil samples from bogs of varying land-use intensities in Europe
- Characterising organic matter by means of pyrolysis-GCMS and thermoanalysis
- Linking biogeochemical and molecular parameters with land-use intensity
- Assessing the quality of bog organic matter
- Publishing the results in specialist journals
This makes you unique
- Motivated individual with knowledge of soil science and biogeochemistry; PhD essential
- Able and willing to travel and work in the field; teamwork skills
- Willingness to acquire knowledge on the quantitative analysis of spectra
- Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and a very good command of written and spoken English
Additional information
If this challenge appeals to you, we look forward to receiving your online application (English is not an official Swiss language, please choose German, French or Italian as correspondence language).
For further information, please contact Ms Sonja Marit Paul, project manager, sonjamarit.paul@agroscope.admin.ch.
Start date: 01.01.2025 or to be agreed. This is a FIXED-TERM job finishing on 31.12.2026.
Reference number: JRQ$540-12492
What sets us apart
Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2026: Posieux), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.
The 'Agroecology and Environment' Research Division investigates the effects of agriculture on the environmental dimensions of climate, air, soil, biodiversity, nutrient cycles and water. Based on the principles of agroecology and using real-world data, we develop solutions for a sustainable agricultural sector. The interconnectedness of the disciplines is essential here for identifying synergies and trade-offs.
We offer you a varied job in an interesting work environment as well as thorough training and a modern research infrastructure. Flexible working hours and good employee benefits are additional perks of the job.
