PhD position in Grassland Management and Grassland-based Production Systems

Ready to combine science, fieldwork and adventure? Join us for a 3-year, fully funded PhD at BFH-HAFL. From lab bench to the vast steppes of Mongolia, you’ll explore how grasslands support livelihoods and shape our climate. Researching forage impacts on livestock and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil carbon sequestration and modelling sustainable herding systems, you’ll share knowledge with local herders to global climate debates.

What we’re offering:

• Travel across Mongolia on field campaigns, working with local scientists and herder families to collect samples in some of the world’s most iconic grasslands.
• Conduct lab analyses of forage digestibility and soil properties (including the Hohenheim Gas Test).
• Analyse and model your findings to estimate GHG balances.
• Write and publish peer-reviewed papers, present at international conferences and complete your PhD thesis.
• Work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team dedicated to science with real-world impacts.

What we’re looking for:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in life sciences (animal science, ecology, environmental science, soil/ agricultural science, biology, ecology or related).
• Someone curious, adventurous and keen to learn new methods.
• Organised, resilient and adaptable - ready for challenges in the field and in research.
• A good communicator with strong English skills (written & spoken) who enjoys both independent work and teamwork across cultures.
• Experience in lab or fieldwork is a bonus but resilience, enthusiasm and willingness to learn are what matter most, we can teach you the rest.

Questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Beat Reidy beat.reidy@bfh.ch or Dr. Amy Birkinshaw amy.birkinshaw@bfh.ch.

Application link: BFH: PhD position in Grassland Management and Grassland-based Production Systems