The Grassland Sciences group at ETH Zurich is a vibrant and international working group at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich. Together with the team Earth Observation of Agroecosystems at Agroscope, we are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, and highly motivated postdoc with a passion for science to join our team. Our research focuses on process- and system-understanding of agroecosystems (grasslands and croplands), in particular on their response to management and climate.

This position is embedded in a project on Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Trends of Environmental Footprints and Reductions of Climate Impacts in Switzerland (PERSIST), a collaboration with Dr. Helge Aasen at Agroscope, Switzerland. We aim to develop an innovative approach to quantify spatio-temporal patterns and trends of environmental footprints (i.e., greenhouse gas emissions and water use) and to assess management practices to reduce climate impacts of agriculture in Switzerland. We will combine high spatio-temporal resolution data streams from satellite remote sensing, eddy-covariance flux and meteorological measurements with site, soil, and management information to provide quantitative evidence of how land management practices are related to GHG emissions and water use.

Your main tasks include

• merging data on crop and grassland conditions and performance indicators from remote sensing with meteorological and flux data streams to quantify trends from 2016 until today,
• extracting management practices from remote sensing data and scaling up observations from discrete sites to spatially explicit area-wide estimates,
• analysing data from the entire Swiss agricultural landscape as well as collaborating with stakeholders,
• presenting results at conferences and publishing in international journals.
• Optional: Assistance in teaching at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels (in English), depending on research experience, and support in student supervision.

The position is funded for up to two years. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules.

Applicants must hold a PhD or doctoral degree with a strong proven research background in agricultural sciences, micrometeorology, greenhouse gas exchange, or remote sensing. Relevant research experience can be based on observations, modelling, or statistical analyses. Excellent command of large data analyses as well as very good English language skills are mandatory. Knowledge of the German language and experiences with stakeholder interactions are a plus.

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application including the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV, including publication list
• Transcripts of Bachelor's, Master's and PhD/doctoral studies
• Contact information of two referees

The starting date is preferentially 1 August 2025. Applications are solicited until 25 May 2025. We will start interviewing candidates end of May. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the Grassland Sciences group please visit our website. Questions regarding the positions should be directed to Prof. Dr Nina Buchmann by email: [email protected] (no applications).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.