Scientific and Technical Project Team Member: Modelling of Irrigation Requirement
Scientific and Technical Project Team Member: Modelling of Irrigation Requirement
80%-100% / 8046 Zürich
good food, healthy environment
Crop water requirements are increasing with climate change. In previous drought years we have witnessed the repeated occurrence of critical shortages and heightened water-use conflicts.
The aim of this project is therefore to further develop and apply a model-assisted method for the regional assessment of the irrigation requirements of different crops. The project is meant to develop solid foundations for the improved management of dwindling water resources in Switzerland.
The appointment will take effect from the earliest possible date and is initially for a fixed term of one year, with the option of extension if funding is available.
Your tasks
- Working with the agro-hydrological model SWAP/WOFOST
- Calibrating the cultivation parameters for major crops (potato, maize, wheat, grassland, etc.), together with other scientists in the team
- Interacting with relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector to compile reference information for the calibrations (concerning growth cycle, yield expectations, irrigation levels)
- Documenting your work and contributing to scientific and practice-oriented publications on the subject
Your profile
- A Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences or a comparable research field
- Proven skills in the modelling of soil-plant-atmosphere interactions (e.g. SWAP, Daisy, EPIC or others)
- Very good knowledge of script languages (Python, R) as well as experience in dealing with spatial data
- Capacity for teamwork, with an open and achievement-oriented personality
- Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and very good spoken and written English
Additional information
If this challenge appeals to you, we look forward to receiving your online application at www.stelle.admin.ch, Ref. 7641. Dr. Annelie Holzkämper, Head of the 'Water Protection' Team, Tel. +41 58 46 87516, annelie.holzkaemper@agroscope.admin.ch, would be pleased to provide you with further information (please do not send applications to this email address). English is not an official Swiss language; please choose German, French or Italian as your correspondence language.
Start date: 1 Jan 2024 or as agreed. The post is for a fixed term of 12 months.
About us
Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers carry out their work at various sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux, Canton of Fribourg), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.
The 'Water Protection and Substance Flows' Research Group carries out research in the field of nutrient management in agroecosystems, and links current knowledge with practical, enforcement and policy advice.
We offer you a varied job in an innovative Research Group composed of scientists, research and technical staff, postdocs, PhD students and under- and postgraduates. An outstanding research infrastructure will be at your disposal. You will enjoy flexible working hours and good employee benefits.
Reckenholzstrasse 191
Zürich
The Federal Administration is attentive to the different needs and backgrounds of its employees and promotes diversity. Equal treatment is a top priority.