Internship on Biologicals and Mycorrhizas for a Sustainable Agriculture

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology/Agroecology and Plant-Microbiome Interactions from the University of Zurich has a Reserach Project (Internship) on Biologicals and Mycorrhizas for a Sustainable Agriculture.

The 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

The research team 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. They 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 the working language.

Application details

You can submit your online application through the job post. This should include 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).