Postdoctoral Position - Phenomics of Plant Disease in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

This new postdoctoral position will be created between the Plant Pathology and Crop Science Groups.

Major areas of research in the Plant Pathology Group are population genomics and evolutionary ecology of fungal pathogens. A primary experimental organism is Zymoseptoria tritici (aka Mycosphaerella graminicola) which causes septoria tritici blotch (STB), the most damaging wheat disease in Europe. We have already developed and implemented high throughput phenotyping methods oriented around automated image analysis to acquire millions of phenotype data points for a variety of important traits in Z. tritici, including quantitative virulence, reproduction, fungicide sensitivity, and growth at different temperatures and under different stresses. We now aim to extend these methods to perform under field conditions to accelerate progress in breeding for STB resistance.

Research of the Crop Science Group focuses on the development and application of image-based phenotyping technologies. We have developed a unique field phenotyping platform (FIP) that is operated on our field site in Eschikon, 20 km outside of Zurich. There and at other field sites, we are engaged in experiments related to crop breeding, smart farming and precision agriculture. Most of our work is currently related to wheat. Imaging is done from the multi-sensor head of the FIP but also from drones and it encompasses sensors such as DSLR-cameras, thermal, multispectral and laser scanning devices. Data evaluation is partly performed with commercial solutions and partly with custom-made software.

The ETH and the Institute of Integrative Biology possess advanced infrastructure including the Genetic Diversity Center () and the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (). Zurich is consistently rated as one of the most livable cities in the world.

The Plant Pathology Group () is currently composed of ~20 people from 11 countries, and English is the working language of the group. Knowledge of German or French is useful outside of the university.

The Crop Science Group currently consists of ~15 people mostly from Switzerland. Working languages are German and English.

We seek applicants with expertise in plant pathology, plant phenotyping, image analysis, machine learning, or proximal sensing, to lead a research group oriented around next generation phenotyping of plant diseases in both field and greenhouse settings.

For relevant references, please view the  on the Plant Pathology website.

The successful applicant will be granted a high degree of flexibility in research direction and approach. The position is renewable annually for up to five years. Female scientists are especially encouraged to apply. 

Applicants should be able to work independently and to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants should have effective communication skills, both oral and written, and be able to lead and coordinate a research team of 2-3 people. A publication record should be provided. 

Applicants should possess demonstrated experience in research topics related to plant phenomics, including expertise in one or more of the following areas: plant pathology, automated image analysis, machine learning, spectral vegetation indices, proximal or remote sensing of vegetation. Experience with plant pathogens is desirable, though not required, but applicants who already have experience with plant pathogens will have an advantage. Experience with statistics and programming is expected. The ability to manage and analyze extensive phenotype datasets containing millions of data points is essential.

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.