PhD in sustainable agriculture: the promotion of biodiversity and ecosystem services in arable crops

This is how you can contribute

• Designing and conducting field experiments at Agroscope and on trial farms
• Gathering data on biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Performing statistical analyses and interpreting the results
• Publishing the results in international scientific journals
• Communicating the results to relevant interest groups

This makes you unique

• Masters (MSc) in agronomy, biology, environmental sciences or similar field
• Keen interest in biodiversity and sustainable agriculture
• Experience of statistical analysis with R (GIS knowledge an advantage)
• Very good communication and writing skills, in English and German (French an advantage)
• Highly motivated and a good team player
• Very good knowledge of two official Swiss languages and spoken and written English

In a nutshell

Biodiversity in Swiss field crops is under pressure. Thus targeted measures to promote biodiversity in arable farming offer considerable potential. The InField project takes a participatory, transdisciplinary approach involving agriculture, research and policy-making. It develops integrated approaches such as species-rich leys and undersown cereals that combine biodiversity with agricultural production. Functional biodiversity and ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control and soil fertility are the main focus. Seed mixes and cultivation methods are tested and refined in field trials. Economic aspects, feasibility and acceptance are also taken into account. The aim is to develop practical solutions for Swiss arable production that supports biodiversity.