Postdoc position on soil microbiome engineering for sustainable agriculture

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Postdoc position on soil microbiome engineering for sustainable agriculture

We are looking for a researcher in the field of soil microbial ecology, agro-ecology and microbiome analyses.

Agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges through a growing human population, climate change, and diminishing resources. While the potential of microorganisms to support agricultural production in a sustainable way is well known, feasible strategies to use this potential to generate a change in the way our food is grown are lacking.

This project will make use of latest scientific developments to design microbial consortia that promote soil community interactions and connectedness to maximize soil ecosystem functioning and agricultural sustainability.

Based on recently published research findings, greenhouse experiments, collaboration with a biotechnological company and participatory on-farm trials, this project will translate basic scientific results directly into agricultural practice. The project builds upon earlier work of the research group (Wagg et al. 2019, Nature Communications; Banerjee et al. 2019; ISME Journal; Banerjee et al. 2018, Nature Reviews Microbiology; Bender et al. 2016, TREE).

About us

Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers carry out their work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld, Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

The Agroscope Department for Agroecology and Environment at Zurich-Reckenholz conducts research for an environmental friendly and competitive agriculture. This postdoc position will be affiliated to the research group Plant-Soil-Interactions led by Prof. Marcel Van der Heijden. This research group focuses on plant-soil-microbe-interactions, soil biodiversity, development of sustainable/ecological farming systems, soil biology and soil ecological engineering. The plant-soil-interactions group is a dynamic group consisting of staff, technicians, PhDs, students & guests with app. 25 members.