Head of Climate and Agriculture Research Group

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

Your contribution

• Leadership of the research group "Klima und Landwirtschaft"
• 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 the work program of Agroscope
• Knowledge transfer (participation in committees at Agroscope, exchange with the relevant federal offices, representation of Agroscope at national and international events, mentoring of young scientists)

What makes you unique

• Completed dissertation in the field of climate sciences, ecology, environmental system sciences, agricultural sciences or similar disciplines
• Enthusiasm for strategic research planning and development of research projects. Ability for networked thinking between research areas in agriculture
• Several years (<5 years) of professional and leadership experience in the field, leadership strength, team player, communicative, goal- and result-oriented as well as creative personality
• Demonstrable experience in the acquisition of external funds
• Good knowledge of two official languages and English

In a nutshell

The research area Agroecology and Environment examines the impact 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 conflicts of interest.

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 opportunity, we develop our competencies 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 (https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/de/home/bundesverwaltung/ihre-vorteile-auf-einen-blick.html)

Good food, healthy environment

Agroscope is the federal competence center for research in the agriculture and food industry. Researchers carry out their activities at various locations in Switzerland. Headquarters is Bern-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux FR). Agroscope is located within the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research WBF.

Additional information

The Climate and Agriculture research group researches options for reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the area of soil, fertilization and through carbon sinks. It examines the opportunities and risks of climate change for crop production and evaluates possibilities for adaptation. Furthermore, it is responsible for the agricultural greenhouse gas inventory of Switzerland.

Questions about the position

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