PhD Position: Agro-Economic Analysis of Legume-Cereal Mixtures (PhenoMix project) ETH Zürich in Switzerland

This PhD position in Agro-Economic Analysis of Legume-Cereal Mixtures is part of the PhenoMix project, a collaborative research initiative supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and hosted by the Crop Science group at ETH Zürich. The project aims to advance multidimensional field phenotyping of crop mixtures, focusing on the development of methods and models to determine traits relevant for crop breeding and variety testing. The research is conducted in partnership with Agroscope and the Swiss Data Science Center, integrating expertise from four research groups.

The PhenoMix project investigates the hypothesis that high throughput field phenotyping technology, combined with plant physiological and ecosystem service assessments, can identify genotypes suitable for agroecologically beneficial legume-cereal mixtures. Field experiments will involve different varieties of legumes (peas, lentils) and cereals (wheat, oats, barley), grown in pure stands and mixtures on the Crop Science group's phenotyping platform, neighboring experimental fields, and farmers' fields. The project encompasses work packages in phenotyping, plant ecophysiology, data science, and agronomic-economic performance, with four doctoral students, two postdocs, and several technicians collaborating across these areas.

The Agro-Economic doctoral student will play a key role in establishing and monitoring on-site and on-farm field experiments, assessing ecosystem services provided by lentil-cereal mixtures. Responsibilities include planning, conducting, and evaluating field and post-harvest laboratory experiments, performing statistical analyses (including AI-based approaches), presenting results at national and international events, publishing in peer-reviewed and practice-oriented journals, organizing national workshops for growers, the food industry, and consumers, and assisting in plot establishment, maintenance, monitoring, and harvest across all work packages.

This full-time position is funded for four years, with salary and social benefits provided according to ETH Zurich rules. The place of work is Agroscope in Zurich-Affoltern. Applicants should hold a MSc degree in agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, or a related field, and demonstrate strong interest in applied interdisciplinary research, complex field experiments, and statistical analysis (e.g., R). Excellent written and spoken English, good writing skills, and a driver’s license are required. Experience in niche crops and oral communication skills in German are beneficial. ETH Zurich offers numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and a climate-neutral future.

Applications must be submitted online by 31 May 2026, including a letter of motivation, CV, BSc and MSc certificates with transcripts, a link to the MSc thesis, and contact information for two referees. The desired starting date is 1 October 2026, with interviews beginning mid-June 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Achim Walter ([email protected]) or Dr. Susanne Vogelgsang ([email protected]). Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

ETH Zurich is a world-leading university specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. The university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence, working together to develop solutions for global challenges.