Head of the Smart Farming and Digital Technologies Research Group

Ettenhausen, Switzerland (and remote work) | 100-100% |

What you can contribute

• Lead a multidisciplinary and motivated team and plan the research activities of the Digital Production group in accordance with Agroscope's strategy
• Harness the potential of digital technologies and develop value-added solutions for fieldwork, barn work and farm management
• Conduct research projects in collaboration with partners from the scientific community, the agri-food sector and administration (notably at Agroscope's trial stations)
• Maintain scientific partnerships at national and international levels and acquire projects
• Continuously develop the methodological skills in digitisation (e.g. algorithms for Computer Vision, IoT, AI) of the research group
• Ensure the quality of research and publish results appropriately for target audiences, whether scientific journals, technical sheets or reports for practice and administration

What makes you unique

• Completed doctoral thesis on digitisation and data sciences, preferably in the agri-food sector
• Good to very good understanding of digitisation to be able to evaluate technical approaches and design decision support tools
• Experience in applying digital technologies, especially in data-driven modelling, Computer Vision and IoT (Internet of Things)
• Interest in developing research projects in collaboration with partners from the scientific community, the agri-food sector and administration
• Experience in personnel management, strong problem-solving skills, creativity and excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of two official languages and English

In a few words

This position combines scientific and methodological skills with the aim of putting digital technologies at the service of agricultural practice. The focus is not on a particular technology, but on developing solutions that provide real added value in farm management. We are looking for a personality combining scientific skills in digitisation and data sciences, a good understanding of agricultural issues as well as experience in personnel management and project management. You are a motivated, creative person who enjoys solving problems and, with an openness to innovation, develops viable solutions in collaboration with others.

What we offer

• Working for Switzerland We are committed to the success of the Swiss model and the well-being of the population.
• Diversity every day We ensure equal opportunities, which allow us to deploy our skills and express different viewpoints.
• Health at work We support and advise our employees on all issues related to physical or mental health.

All benefits

Good nutrition, a healthy environment

Agroscope is the Confederation's centre of expertise for research in agriculture and the food sector. Researchers carry out their activities at various sites in Switzerland. The main office is located in Bern-Liebefeld (from 2026: Posieux FR). Agroscope is affiliated with the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER.

Additional information

The Digital Production research group uses information and communication technologies to address the diverse challenges of agriculture. It develops new data-based solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of production systems. In addition to understanding agricultural production processes, computer vision, rigorous data evaluation and modelling are key competencies of the group.

Questions about the position

Nadja El Benni Head of the Sustainability Assessment and Agromanagement Research Area +41 58 46 61769

Questions about the application

Raphaël Brandt Recruitment Team Leader +41 58 46 37782