Scientific project assistant for water protection 100%

Agroscope is looking for a:

Scientific project assistant for water protection 100%

The research group Water Protection and Nutrient Fluxes conducts research on nutrient management, fluxes and dynamics in agroecosystems and combines the latest scientific findings with practical and policy advice. Within the group, the Water Protection team investigates specific measures for improving water and nutrient retention in Swiss agroecosystems. To do that, we integrate experimental and modelling methods.
The aim of this project is to investigate to what extend nitrate leaching into the groundwater can be reduced by considering site-adapted, graduated measures that are less restrictive to agricultural productivity (e.g. adapted fertilisation, intercropping, restriction of ploughing dates) in addition to general extensification measures (e.g. conversion of arable land to grassland, reduction of vegetable/potato area in favour of cereals). A process-based modelling approach will be used to quantify the potential for reducing nitrate leaching.

About us

The ’Agroecology and Environment’ Research Division investigates the effects of agriculture on the environmental dimensions of climate, air, soil, biodiversity, nutrient cycles and water. Based on the principles of agroecology and using real-world data, we develop solutions for a sustainable agricultural sector. The interconnectedness of the disciplines is essential here for identifying synergies and trade-offs.

Agroscope is the Swiss federal centre of excellence for research in the agriculture and food sector. Its researchers work at a number of sites in Switzerland. Headquartered in Bern-Liebefeld (as of 2026: Posieux), Agroscope is attached to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.