Laboratory Technician for plant genetic resources (50 %)

Zürich, Switzerland | 50-50% |

Your contribution

• Care of the in-vitro nucleus stock under sterile conditions, mainly potatoes and vines
• Preparation and testing of suitable culture media as well as cleaning of the in-vitro material
• Disinfection and cleaning of the plant material (thermotherapy, virucides, removal of meristems) as well as organization of health examinations
• Production of clones, transport to the greenhouse and distribution of the plant material to partners and customers
• Identification of varieties using molecular markers: DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis or sequencing as well as evaluation of the results
• Maintenance of the databases, including the national database, and support of research trials as well as laboratory organization

What makes you unique

• EFZ as a biology laboratory technician
• Experience in working under sterile conditions (in vitro) and in molecular biology, acquired during training or professional experience
• Independence and care in the management of the nucleus stock
• Confident handling 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 will work in the areas of in-vitro culture and molecular biology and ensure that each variety remains healthy, is identified and is available to partners as needed.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the Swiss success model and work for the well-being of the population.
• Lived diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we develop our competencies and contribute 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. The headquarters is in Bern-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux FR). Agroscope is part of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research WBF.

Additional information

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

Questions about the position

Etienne Bucher
Research Group Leader
+41 58 48 39753