Postdoctoral researcher for the theme "Metabolites of plant protection products in groundwater"

Wädenswil | 100-100%

What you can contribute

• Processing of monitoring data relating to metabolites of plant protection products in groundwater, as well as data concerning authorized application rates and sales figures of the corresponding active substances
• Compilation of the Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PEC) in groundwater resulting from the European authorization procedure for the metabolites being monitored
• Characterization of land use in the recharge zones/catchment areas of groundwater abstractions
• Development of a concept aimed at classifying catchment areas into vulnerability categories

What makes you unique

• Doctorate in environmental sciences, agronomy or a related field
• Experience in analyzing large datasets, preferably with R software
• Knowledge of GIS analysis is an asset
• Person with good communication skills, able to work independently and focused on finding solutions
• Knowledge of two official languages

In a few words

With the revision of the water protection legislation, non-relevant metabolites from plant protection products must henceforth also comply with the limit value of 0.1 µg/L in groundwater. As part of this project carried out on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment, the aim is to study the various possible options for the implementation of legal provisions relating to non-relevant metabolites in the catchment areas of groundwater abstractions. This work must lead to practical recommendations for the assessment and management of plant protection product applications.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the success of the Swiss model and to the well-being of the population.
• Diversity in everyday life We ensure equal opportunities, which allows us to deploy our skills and express different points of view.
• Health at work We assist and advise our employees on all matters related to physical or mental health.

All benefits (https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/fr/home/bundesverwaltung/ihre-vorteile-auf-einen-blick.html)

A healthy diet, a healthy environment

Agroscope is the Confederation's competence center for research in the fields of agriculture and the food industry. Researchers carry out their activities at various sites in Switzerland. The headquarters is located in Berne-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux FR). Agroscope is attached to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

Additional information

The Plant Protection Products - impact and assessment research group combines in-depth knowledge of plant protection products with expertise on their behavior and effects in the environment as well as on their assessment. In its projects, the group combines experimental research with modeling approaches and data analysis, thus contributing to the interdisciplinary consideration of plant protection products in the context of agricultural use.

Questions about the position

Romualdus Kasteel
Scientific Collaborator
+41 58 46 96046