University​/Technical College Trainee in Fodder-Plant Breeding

University/Technical College Trainee in Fodder-Plant Breeding This is how you can contribute

• Supervising two field trials for recording seed yield in ryegrass
• Description of grasses for various traits in the field
• Harvesting and preparation of seed and plant samples; evaluation of the data gathered
• Supporting the Group with various tasks in the breeding programme

• Recent (i.e. completed no longer than 12 months ago) Bachelor's or Master's degree in agronomy, biology or a related field
• Committed, team-minded and communicative personality with an interest in plant breeding
• Enthusiasm for practical fieldwork as well as a precise and meticulous way of working
• Good EDP and statistics skills;
  Cat. B driver's licence an advantage
• Knowledge of two official Swiss languages and English

The traineeship is part of two projects: one for boosting pod‑shatter resistance and one for developing genomic selection. It offers an insight into the different aspects of classic plant breeding, including the conducting of field trials and the phenotyping of plants in the field and laboratory. Agroscope is closed during the Christmas period – no applications will be processed from 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the successful Swiss model and work for the public good.
• Embracing diversity Thanks to equal opportunities, we draw on our expertise and contribute different perspectives.
• Staying healthy at work We support and advise our employees in the area of physical and mental health.

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.

High‑performing varieties of grasses and clover form the basis for the efficient production of roughage, and hence also for a sustainable meat and dairy sector. For the development and provision of varieties adapted to Swiss conditions, the 'Fodder‑Plant Breeding' Group runs a breeding programme encompassing several types of grasses and legumes.

Christoph Grieder

Head of 'Fodder‑Plant Breeding' Group