Changins, University of Applied Sciences in Viticulture and Oenology (HES-SO), is the Swiss and international reference centre for education and research in the fields of viticulture and oenology. For over 75 years, Changins has been training professionals capable of meeting the societal, environmental and economic challenges of the sector, from the soil to the glass.

The Viticulture and Agroecosystems sector focuses its teaching and research activities on vineyard adaptation to climate change, the development of alternatives to fungicides, the promotion of biodiversity and the impact of viticultural practices on soil and the environment.

To strengthen our teams, we are looking for a:

You will contribute to the development of projects focusing notably on the adaptation of viticulture to climate change, sustainable soil management, cover crops, reduction of herbicides and inputs, functional biodiversity, vine physiology, water and heat stress, as well as innovative vineyard monitoring tools.

You will ensure the setup, monitoring and scientific valorisation of field trials in collaboration with academic, institutional and professional partners in the wine sector. The position also includes data analysis, writing scientific and technical publications and preparing popularised communications. Participation in some teaching-related activities will complement the role.

Particular attention will be given to your ability to progressively develop your own research activities, submit competitive projects and actively contribute to the scientific reputation of the sector.

Your missions

Applied research and development

• Design, coordinate and monitor field trials in sustainable viticulture and vineyard agroecosystems.
• Carry out measurements related to physiology, agronomy, pedology, ecology and/or environment, depending on the projects.
• Analyse and interpret data from experiments.
• Write scientific articles, technical publications, reports and popularisation materials.
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of new research projects.

Teaching

• Participate in teaching, transfer and communication activities with the profession.
• Take part in support tasks for HES Bachelor and/or ES-Brevet Maîtrise teaching (practical work, case studies, seminars).
• Supervise students in their diploma projects.

Desired profile

Education and experience

• PhD in biology, plant physiology, agronomy, agroecology, soil sciences, applied ecology or related field, with experience in viticulture, perennial crops or soil sciences.
• Experience in conducting applied field studies, ideally in viticulture or perennial crops.
• Skills in statistical analysis and data processing, ideally with R or equivalent tools.
• Proven ability to publish in scientific journals and to promote results to the profession.
• Strong interest in sustainable viticulture, agroecosystems and agroecological transition.

Skills and qualities

• Good knowledge of pedology, botany and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Comfortable working in the field and laboratory.
• Fluency in French and English; German is an asset.
• Organisational skills and scientific rigour.
• Open, autonomous personality capable of integrating into a team.

What we offer

• An exceptional working environment in Nyon, between Lake Geneva and vineyards.
• Access to a network of professional and academic partners to support your scientific development.
• The opportunity to actively contribute within a human-scale institution, recognised nationally and internationally, carrying meaningful values.

Practical information

Position: Scientific Collaborator (Post-doc)

Start date: to be agreed, for a duration of 3 years

Work rate: 80%

Workplace: Route de Duillier 52, CH – 1260 Nyon

Applications will be reviewed from 20 July 2026 onwards.

For any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Ms Florence Choffat, HR Manager: florence.choffat@changins.ch

For any questions regarding the position, Dr Markus Rienth, Professor and Head of the Viticulture and Agroecosystems sector, is at your disposal: markus.rienth@changins.ch

Changins adopts an equal opportunity recruitment policy.