Research manager for plant growth facilities and microscopy
Employment rate: 60 % (later extendable to max. 80 %) | Starting date: August 2026
The research group Plant Ecology and Evolution (https://duw.unibas.ch/en/ecoevo/) at the Department of Environmental Sciences (https://duw.unibas.ch/en/) at the University of Basel in Switzerland is looking for an applicant to fill the position of a research manager for our plant growth facilities and our microscopes. The research group's main topics focus on plant adaptation to climate change, plant responses to environmental stress, distribution limits, small population size, genetic load, and genetic conflicts.
Your position
The successful candidate will be responsible for the technical management of the group's plant growth facilities, indoor and outdoor, and introduce students and group members to plant crossbreeding, plant cultivation, and measurement of mainly image-based phenotypic characteristics in quantitative genetics settings. They will be responsible for the management of group-owned microscopes with camera systems and give introductions to their use. In addition, they are expected to collaborate closely with the group members in project design, data collection and analysis, and finally be part of the group's team-teaching activities.
Your profile
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in plant sciences, evolutionary biology, environmental science, or related fields. We are looking for a motivated and reliable candidate with a solution-oriented work attitude and who is highly interested in contributing to research. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work in teams, and a commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace are essential. Good spoken English is required to interact with all members of the research group and knowledge of German is desirable. Candidates should have practical experience in managing plant growth facilities, in cultivating plants, microscopy, experimental design, statistical analysis and have knowledge on high-throughput image analysis, and hold a valid driver's license.
We offer you
A position at the intersection of technology, plant cultivation and research with varied work and the possibility of becoming permanent. The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative working environment in a dynamic research group in the international and interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Internationally competitive salaries and social benefits are provided according to the rules of the University of Basel. Finally, Basel is a mid-sized Swiss city, well connected and offering a broad range of cultural and recreational activities.
Application / Contact
Please upload your application via our online platform. It should include: a motivation letter stating your fit to the profile and motivation for applying (max. 2 pages), a CV, copies of relevant degrees, and the names and contact details of 3 references including your relation to them. Only online applications submitted through the recruiting platform will be considered. Review of applications will begin on February 15 but the position remains open until filled. For specific questions please contact Prof. Dr. Yvonne Willi (yvonne.willi@unibas.ch)
Please upload your application via our online platform. It should include: a motivation letter stating your fit to the profile and motivation for applying (max. 2 pages), a CV, copies of relevant degrees, and the names and contact details of 3 references including your relation to them. Only online applications submitted through the recruiting platform will be considered. Review of applications will begin on February 15 but the position remains open until filled. For specific questions please contact Prof. Dr. Yvonne Willi (yvonne.willi@unibas.ch)
