The Research Station Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART conducts research for an environmental friendly, competitive agriculture. We combine ecology, economy and agricultural technology in an integrated research approach and develop scientific-based decision support for farmers, government authorities and society. A Ph.D. student position is available in the research group “forage production and grassland”.
Position
Research will be carried out within component 2 of the EU Project ANIMALCHANGE, which aims at identifying the most promising options for adaptation of livestock production to climate change (further details see www.animalchange.eu). You will concentrate on adaptation options of grassland at the field scale by assessing the effects of climate change on the value of functional biodiversity for the services of multi-species grasslands. Process oriented measurements will focus on productivity, evolution of botanical composition, resistance to weed invasion, resilience of yield and species composition after cessation of drought, and niches of plant species for nutrient uptake and water use evaluated by tracer techniques. Tasks include maintenance of the field experiment, sample preparation and analyses, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation, and publication of results nationally and internationally.
Requirements
We are seeking highly motivated, team-oriented candidates with a strong interest in agro-ecological issues. Applicants should hold a master level degree in agronomy, biology or environmental sciences or engineering with excellent grades. Experience in the field of grassland science would be beneficial.
Good knowledge of spoken and written English, as well as good knowledge of spoken and written German or French are required. Driving license required.
Conditions
The duration of the position is three years. The salary is according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation. The working place will be at Swiss Federal Research Station Agroscope ART at Zurich-Affoltern, Switzerland. The project will start in November 2011 (negotiable).
Application
Deadline for application: 31 August 2011.
Please mention the keyword “AnimalChange” on your letter of application.
Applicants should submit a complete academic record, CV, statement of research interests, copy of certificates, and addresses of 2-3 potential referees to:
Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART, Fachgruppe Personal, Thomas Zehnder, Reckenholzstrasse 191,
8046 Zürich, Switzerland or e-mail to human_resources@art.admin.ch.
For further information please contact: Prof. Dr. Andreas Lüscher, head of research group “forage production and grassland”, phone +41 44 377 72 73, e-mail: andreas.luescher@art.admin.ch. (Do not send applications to this e-mail)