PhD Position: Sustainable Food Production with Biologicals 80 %
Start of employment 01.10.2026 or by agreement, temporaryWe recently demonstrated that a well-known group of biologicals, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), promote plant yield in Swiss crop fields (yield increase of up to 40% were found). This has large potential to boost the sustainability of agricultural production. In a next step, we will test a wide range of microorganisms, with plant growth and soil health promoting properties. We also test whether AMF inoculation can reduce fertiliser and pesticide use in agricultural fields in real-world settings.
Research will take place within the project “Biological for a Sustainable Agriculture, funded by various foundations and support of the UZH Foundation. The research takes place at the Agroecology & Plant Microbiome Interactions Group at the University of Zurich and Agroscope (location Zurich). This is a dynamic group consisting of scientists, technicians, Postdocs, PhD and Master students & guests with app. 25 members. The group focuses on plant-soil-microbe-interactions, mycorrhizal fungi, soil biodiversity, the development of sustainable/ecological farming systems, and soil ecological engineering. The university of Zurich and Agroscope have excellent research facilities with well-equipped laboratories, greenhouses, climate chambers and agricultural fields. You will enjoy flexible working hours and good social benefits. Your work will contribute to the further development of a sustainable agriculture and a healthy environment.
The work builds upon earlier work in the group (Lutz et al. 2023, Nature Microbiology; Anthony et al. 2023, PNAS; Martin & van der Heijden 2024, New Phytologist; Boussageon et al. 2025, Journal of Sustainable Agriculture & Environment; Romero et al. 2025, Nature Communications; Banerjee et al. 2026, Nature Reviews Microbiology; Königer et al. 2026, Nature)
Your responsibilities
- Perform field and greenhouse experiments testing under which conditions and with which plant species inoculation with AMF and further beneficial microbes promote crop yield.
- Use molecular tools (qPCR, metabarcoding) and microscopy to assess whether the inoculated microbes colonize soil and/or plant roots and establish in the field.
- contribute to data analysis and reporting.
- Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
Your profile
- Master's degree in microbiology, agronomy, microbial ecology, microbiome research or botany with excellent grades.
- Expertise in one or several of the following themes: greenhouse or field experiments with plants, microbial ecology, fungi, bacteria, molecular and microbiological methods.
- Strong statistical skills would be an advantage
- An achievement-oriented and an open-minded personality with good capacity for teamwork. Willing to work in the field (harvest days are long and fun!)
- Swiss German is sometimes an advantage (e.g. to interact with farmers), but is not required. English is our working language.
- The university of Zurich is the largest university in Switzerland and has excellent facilities for research and teaching and it has an inspiring, open minded and social environment.
Information on your application
If you are interested in this position and fulfill the requirements, we look forward to receiving your online application consisting of a single PDF containing a CV, a summary of your research projects (e.g. Masters) and names of 2 referees. Additional information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Marcel van der Heijden.The position is for 4 year.
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Marcel van der Heiden Professor +41 58 468 72 78The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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