Department of Plant and Microbial Biology/Agroecology and Plant-Microbiome Interactions

Research Project (Internship): Biologicals and Mycorrhizas for a Sustainable Agriculture, University of Zurich, Switzerland 80 - 100 %

Start of employment 1. February 2025 (for one year)

Research will take place within the project “A Mycorrhiza Implementation Network for Sustainable Agricultural Production, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Implementation Networks). 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 staff, technicians, Postdocs, PhDs, Students & Guests with app. 25 members. The group focuses on plant-soil-microbe-interactions, 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 responsibilities

We 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. We have now established a “Mycorrhiza” implementation network and currently test and develop tools to apply these beneficial microbes in a practical and feasible way. Building upon this earlier work you will:
  • Perform field and greenhouse experiments testing under which conditions and with which plant species AMF inoculation promote crop yield.
  • Use molecular tools (qPCR) and microscopy to assess whether the inoculated AMF colonize plant roots and establish in the field.
  • Contribute to data analysis and reporting.
  • If you perform well and you have interest, there is the option to continue with a PhD study in the group.

Your profile

  • Bachelors or Masters in agronomy, ecology, microbiology, microbiome research or botany.
  • Expertise in one or several of the following themes: greenhouse or field experiments with plants, microbial ecology, fungi, molecular and microbiological methods.
  • 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 an advantage (e.g. to interact with farmers), but it not required. English is our working language.

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.The position is for 1 year. There is an option to do a PhD afterwards. The position is open until filled. Start to be mutually agreed (ideally 1. February 2025).

What we offer

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What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Marcel Van der Heijden Head of Department +41 58 468 72 78
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Contact question to: Prof. Marcel Van der Heijden

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Questions about the application procedure

Jasmin Unternährer HR-Manager +41 44 634 82 06
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Contact question to: Jasmin Unternährer

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Working at UZH
The 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!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The 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! More
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