Head of Horticulture Extension Research Group

8046 Zürich | 100-100%

Your contribution

• Manage the Horticulture Extension Research Group from a technical and administrative perspective (organization, finance, personnel) and assume general responsibility for leading activities based on practical needs and the scientific excellence of the group
• Assume general responsibility and the role of primary contact person for practical questions and research related to open-field horticulture at Agroscope; undertake the development and management of interdisciplinary projects with representatives of interested Agroscope divisions and external partners
• Assume responsibility for the acquisition of projects and third-party funds from competitive programs, industry and other sponsors
• Assume responsibility for the exchange of knowledge with horticultural practice and consultancy, further public relations tasks and the drafting of specific horticulture expert reports aimed at practice, particularly regarding plant protection
• Represent Agroscope within national and international bodies and organizations to network and expand practical expertise in the field of horticulture

What distinguishes you

• PhD in agricultural sciences with specialization in plant production/horticulture (or similar training) and proven research experience in these sectors, ideally in practice-oriented projects involving multiple actors
• Experience in horticultural practice or similar production sectors
• Extensive professional network in the field of plant and vegetable production and solid knowledge of the framework conditions of Swiss plant production
• Strong leadership skills, strong team spirit and convincing communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of two official languages and spoken and written English

In summary

We are looking for a person with strong managerial skills who combines their scientific expertise with concrete agricultural experience and strategically aligns practical research in the field of open-field horticulture with sector priorities, develops concrete practical solutions, provides answers to political issues and thus contributes to strengthening vegetable cultivation in Switzerland. The presence of a strong team spirit and the proven ability to effectively and on an equal footing manage complex multilingual networks formed by internal and external actors is particularly appreciated.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We strive for the successful Swiss model and work for the well-being of the population.
• Experiencing diversity The realization of equal opportunities allows us to best express our skills and contemplate different points of view.
• Fit in the workplace We provide support and advice to our employees on the topic of physical and mental health.

All benefits (https://www.stelle.admin.ch/stelle/it/home/bundesverwaltung/ihre-vorteile-auf-einen-blick.html)

Eating well in a healthy environment

Agroscope is the Confederation's competence center for research in the agri-food sector and belongs to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER). Researchers carry out their activities in various locations in Switzerland, the main one is located in Bern-Liebefeld (Posieux FR from 2026).

Complementary information

The Horticulture Extension Research Group develops sustainable and resource-efficient cultivation and plant protection strategies to promote ecological and economic production of quality vegetables. It assumes an important linking function between basic research and horticultural practice.

Questions about the workplace

Manuel Boss
Head of Competence Sector
+41 58 46 54140