Agroscope is looking for a:
Postdoc 'Systematic Reviews Environmental Risk Assessment Non-Target Species'
100% / 8046 Zürich
good food, healthy environment
The 'Biosafety' Research Group investigates the environmental impacts of agricultural technologies on biodiversity and arthropods. The topics addressed encompass genetically modified plants, macroorganisms for plant protection, invasive species, pesticides and (micro)plastics. In addition to experimental research in the laboratory, greenhouse and field, concept studies are developed to assess the opportunities and risks posed by various technologies.
The open position is part of a collaborative project with 12 partners from 9 countries funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The project goal is to develop environmental scenarios for the ecological risk assessment for non-target organisms in the context of EU plant protection product regulation. Agroscope is conducting systematic reviews of (1) terrestrial communities in European agroecosystems, (2) species traits for vulnerability analysis, and (3) ecotoxicological information of most common agrochemicals.
The 'Biosafety' Research Group investigates the environmental impacts of agricultural technologies on biodiversity and arthropods. The topics addressed encompass genetically modified plants, macroorganisms for plant protection, invasive species, pesticides and (micro)plastics. In addition to experimental research in the laboratory, greenhouse and field, concept studies are developed to assess the opportunities and risks posed by various technologies.
The open position is part of a collaborative project with 12 partners from 9 countries funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The project goal is to develop environmental scenarios for the ecological risk assessment for non-target organisms in the context of EU plant protection product regulation. Agroscope is conducting systematic reviews of (1) terrestrial communities in European agroecosystems, (2) species traits for vulnerability analysis, and (3) ecotoxicological information of most common agrochemicals.
Your tasks
- Establish systematic review protocols, conduct literature searches, and extract data
- Critical appraisal and data analyses
- Communicate with consortium members and integrate data into the project's data framework
- Contribute to other project goals: analysis of normal operating ranges of focal species, characterization of biological communities, and definition of ecological scenarios
- Regular project reports and scientific publications
Your profile
- Interest in scientific literature work, agricultural communities and ecotoxicology
- Exact and independent working method, high quality standard, endurance, ability to work towards several tasks at the same time
- Communication skills in English, team player
- Data analysis using R, no fear of large datasets
- Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and a very good command of written and spoken English
Additional information
If this challenge appeals to you, we look forward to receiving your online application (English is not an official Swiss language, please choose German, French or Italian as correspondence language).
For further information, please contact Michael Meissle, deputy head of group, by mail, michael.meissle@agroscope.admin.ch.
Start date: 01.08.2024 or to be agreed. This is a fixed-term job finishing on 31.07.2028.
Reference number: JRQ$540-10157
About us
The 'Agroecology and Environment' Research Division investigates the effects of agriculture on the environmental dimensions of climate, air, soil, biodiversity, nutrient cycles and water. Based on the principles of agroecology and using real-world data, we develop solutions for a sustainable agricultural sector. The interconnectedness of the disciplines is essential here for identifying synergies and trade-offs."
Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2026: Posieux), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.
We offer you a varied job in an interesting work environment as well as thorough training. Flexible working hours and good employee benefits are additional perks of the job.
The Federal Administration is attentive to the different needs and backgrounds of its employees and promotes diversity. Equal treatment is a top priority.
