Head of the Vegetable Crop Extension research group

8046 Zürich | 100-100%

What you can contribute

• Technical and administrative management of the Vegetable Crop Extension research group (organization, finances, personnel) and overall responsibility for the orientation of activities according to the practical needs and scientific excellence of the group
• Overall responsibility and central contact for questions and practice-oriented research in the field of open-field vegetable crops at Agroscope; setting up and leading interdisciplinary project teams with representatives from the relevant Agroscope fields and external partners
• Responsibility for the acquisition of projects and third-party funds from competitive funding programs, industry, and other funders
• Responsibility for knowledge sharing with vegetable cultivation and advisory professionals, public relations, as well as the writing of specific and practical expertise on vegetable crops, particularly regarding plant protection
• Representation of Agroscope within national and international bodies and organizations with the aim of creating networks and developing practical expertise in vegetable crops

What makes you unique

• PhD in agronomic sciences with specialization in plant cultivation/horticulture (or equivalent training) and proven experience in research in these fields, ideally within the framework of practical projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience in vegetable crops or similar production sectors
• Vast professional network in the field of plant and vegetable production and in-depth knowledge of the framework conditions of Swiss plant production
• Pronounced managerial skills, strong team spirit, and convincing communication skills
• Very good knowledge of two official languages and English, both oral and written

In a few words

We are looking for a person with strong leadership, combining scientific expertise and concrete practical experience in the agricultural field, capable of strategically directing applied research in open-field vegetable crops according to practical priorities, developing concrete and applicable solutions, providing answers to political questions, and thus contributing to the strengthening of vegetable crops in Switzerland. Candidates demonstrating a strong team spirit and a proven ability to act effectively on an equal footing within complex multilingual stakeholder networks, both internal and external, are particularly welcome.

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 good 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 main 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 Vegetable Crop Extension research group develops sustainable and resource-efficient crop and plant protection strategies in order to promote high-quality, profitable, and environmentally friendly vegetable production. It also fulfills an important bridge function between fundamental research and vegetable practices.

Questions about the position

Manuel Boss
Competence area manager
+41 58 46 54140