Up to 30% off — ends 2 Aug
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Up to 30% off — ends 2 Aug
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University of Zurich
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PhD Position in Sustainable Food Production with Biologicals and Plant Microbiome Interactions University of Zurich in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Full funding available
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Zurich
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Zurich in the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies for a project on sustainable food production with biologicals. The work is embedded in the project Biological for a Sustainable Agriculture and focuses on how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and other beneficial microorganisms can improve crop yield, plant health, and soil function while potentially reducing fertilizer and pesticide use.
The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, lasts 4 years, and is advertised at 80%. The research environment is the Agroecology and Plant Microbiome Interactions Group, a team of about 25 members working on plant-soil-microbe interactions, mycorrhizal fungi, soil biodiversity, sustainable farming systems, and soil ecological engineering. Facilities include laboratories, greenhouses, climate chambers, and agricultural fields at UZH and Agroscope.
The PhD project involves field and greenhouse experiments, testing inoculation with AMF and beneficial microbes across conditions and plant species, and using molecular tools such as qPCR and metabarcoding plus microscopy to assess colonization and establishment in roots and soil. The successful candidate will also contribute to data analysis, reporting, and publication of results in peer-reviewed journals.
Applicants should hold a Master's degree in microbiology, agronomy, microbial ecology, microbiome research, or a related field. Experience with greenhouse or field experiments, fungi/bacteria, and molecular and microbiological methods is expected; strong statistical skills are a plus. English is the working language, and Swiss German may help when interacting with farmers, though it is not required.
To apply, submit a single PDF with your CV, a summary of research projects (for example, your Master's thesis), and the names of two referees. Contact for more information: Prof. Dr. Marcel van der Heijden.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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