Website University of Bern
Project description
This interdisciplinary project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, investigates the impact of grazing on plant and insect biodiversity in the transition zone between pasture and forest at 16 sites. As a doctoral candidate, you will quantify biodiversity in the field in close collaboration with experienced scientists and land managers. A second doctoral project will simultaneously analyze the impact on animal welfare, economic viability, and forest conservation. The main work location is in Zurich (Agroscope). Some parts of the forest-edge grazing project are being conducted in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. One or more short research stays in southern Sweden are planned. Background information on the project
is available online.
Area of responsibility
- Participation in the design of the experimental setup
- Management of the forest edge grazing experiment
- Collaboration with scientists, cantonal offices and farmers
- Survey of plant and insect diversity
- Statistical data analysis and visualization
- minor involvement in projects and teaching at the Ruminant Clinic
- Writing scientific publications
- Presentation of results at national and international conferences
Requirements
- Completed studies in agronomy, biology, environmental or natural sciences
- Enjoyment of fieldwork, data analysis, and writing one’s own texts
- Taxonomic knowledge (plants or insects) is an advantage.
- Experience in analyzing biodiversity data in R or Python is an advantage.
- good knowledge of a local language and English
- Driving licence category B
Your benefits
Meaningful work and fair pay
Good research infrastructure and international network
Access to cutting-edge technology and innovations
Collaborative environment and ambitious team
Salary calculator
Your annual gross salary for 2026 will amount to 50,042 Swiss francs for full-time employment, including the 13th month salary.
Working at UniBE
The University of Bern offers not only exciting opportunities, but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us a great employer and how you can advance your career with us.
Application and contact
Please submit your application with the usual documents here: PhD student – Forest edge grazing and biodiversity – Agroscope
Questions about the position?
Dr. Manuel Schneider,
Head of the Forage Production and Grassland Systems Research Group
, Agroscope,
Reckenholzstrasse 191,
8046 Zurich,
Switzerland,
manuel.schneider@agroscope.admin.ch
, +41 58 46 87598
Questions about the application process?
Dr. Manuel Schneider,
Head of the Forage Production and Grassland Systems Research Group
, Agroscope,
Reckenholzstrasse 191,
8046 Zurich,
Switzerland,
manuel.schneider@agroscope.admin.ch
, +41 58 46 87598
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Pick WhatsApp or Telegram, then follow a channel (Graduate → Post-PhD).