Eidgenössisches Departement für
Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF
Agroscope

Job advertisement Agroscope

Position
PhD project “Improving seed yield of Swiss bred Italian ryegrass” (IMPSEED)

Introduction
Seed yield is not tested in agronomic performance trials for national listing of forage grasses, but is an important
trait for economic success of a variety. Genetic improvement of seed yield is difficult and has, so far, not been a
major breeding target in the Agroscope breeding program for Italian ryegrass.
The aim of the IMPSEED project is to set the scientific basis for the implementation of seed yield as a routine
breeding target. This will be achieved by conducting a selection experiment to test target traits for their
effectiveness to increase seed yield and by developing molecular tools to increase future selection gain.

Tasks

• Performing field experiments, including data acquisition and sample preparation, to produce a phenotypic data
  base for selection decisions and association mapping


• Preparation of DNA samples for genotyping-by-sequencing, analysis of sequence data and extraction of
  genetic marker information


• Data analysis for QTL-mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS)


• Writing of reports and scientific publications

Requirements

• MSc or equivalent in agronomy and/or biology


• Enthusiasm for practical work in the field, experience in molecular biology


• Good knowledge in statistics and bioinformatics, experience in software R is a prerequisite


• Highly motivated, open-minded personality with a good capacity for teamwork


• Good knowledge in English, German language skills will be an asset

Organisation
Agroscope is an innovative research institute for agriculture and nutrition. It is part of the Swiss federal
administration and is attached to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER. It
has research stations at a number of sites around Switzerland with its head office in Bern-Liebefeld.
The proposed project is a cooperation between Agroscope, represented by the group of forage crop breeding,
and the group of Molecular Plant Breeding group at ETH Zürich, led by Prof. Bruno Studer. You will be enrolled
as a PhD student at ETH Zürich.

Place of Work Agroscope, 8046 Zürich Affoltern
Salary Category According to the standards of the Swiss National Science Foundation
Employment Level 100%

Application
We look forward to receiving your online application to human.resources@agroscope.admin.ch (REF. 35631).
Online applications consist of a single PDF containing an application letter, CV, copy of certificates/Diplomas
(MSc &BSc) and contact information of 2 referees. The position is open until filled.
For further information: Dr. Christoph Grieder, forage crop breeder, phone +41 58 468 76 67,
christoph.grieder@agroscope.admin.ch or Dr. Roland Kölliker, molecular plant breeding, phone +41 58 468
7345, roland.koelliker@usys.ethz.ch (Do not send applications to these e-mail addresses).
Starting date: January 1st 2019 or upon agreement
Duration: 4 years