PhD in decision support for water resource management in agriculture

Zurich | 100-100%

The contribution you can make

• Develop model-based decision support tools for various actors
• Perform agro-hydrological modeling (at regional and plot level)
• Present and publish project content and results tailored to the target audience
• Work and communicate with project partners and stakeholders

What distinguishes you

• University degree (MSc) in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, geography, or related disciplines
• Experience with plant growth models, soil water balance models, and hydrological models
• Excellent knowledge of scripting languages (Python, R)
• Excellent analytical and communication skills
• Approach to autonomous, goal-oriented, and solution-oriented work
• Knowledge of two official languages and English

In summary

The summer of 2026 demonstrated the enormous importance held by water for Swiss agriculture and what conflicts can arise regarding the use of such a resource. Within the scope of this doctoral thesis, you can, together with us and the project partners, make a decisive contribution to making agricultural water management in Switzerland more sustainable for the future. The doctoral thesis is part of the resource project <<Gestione integrale delle risorse idriche nel Cantone di Turgovia>>.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We strive for the successful Swiss model and work for the well-being of the population.
• Experiencing diversity The realization of equal opportunities allows us to best express our skills and contemplate different points of view.
• Fit in the workplace We provide support and advice to our employees on the topic of physical and mental health.

All benefits (https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/it/home/bundesverwaltung/ihre-vorteile-auf-einen-blick.html)

Eating well in a healthy environment

Agroscope is the Confederation's competence center for research in the agri-food sector and belongs to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR). Researchers carry out their activities in various locations in Switzerland, the main one is located in Bern-Liebefeld (Posieux FR from 2026).

Complementary information

The Water Protection and Substance Flows research group conducts research activities in the sector of management, flows, and dynamics of nutrients in agroecosystems and the environment and connects current knowledge with practical and political advice. The associated Earth Observation team develops territory-related and non-destructive methods in the context of remote sensing to support these and other Agroscope tasks in the future.

Questions about the workplace

Annelie Holzkaemper
Team Lead Water Protection
+41 58 46 87516

Questions about the application

Raphaël Brandt
+41 58 46 37782