Doctoral Researcher / Doctoral Researcheress in Food Processing for Planetary and Human Health

Doctoral Researcher in Food Processing for Planetary and Human Health

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group is dedicated to advancing food processing technologies and their pivotal role in creating sustainable food systems. We harness innovative approaches to address fundamental challenges, including the protein transition and food security. By utilizing sustainability assessments and emerging food system approaches, we aim to guide processing innovations toward holistic and impactful solutions.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to contribute to a collaborative research project analyzing how food processing influences both nutritional quality and environmental impact.

The primary goal is to identify and develop processing strategies that enhance nutritional quality and environmental performance, assessed through nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA). This role involves executing processing trials, coordinating collaborations within our team, and engaging with external partners to systematically integrate nutritional, health, and sustainability aspects into our research.

Our two well-equipped pilot plants, featuring technologies such as multi-scale extruders, high-pressure and thermal treatment systems, pulsed electric field (PEF) equipment, and more, will serve as the core experimental platform for this project. Advanced analytical methods (e.g., nutritional profile, bioaccessibility, dynamic mechanical analysis, imaging, spectroscopy) will be utilized to assess product quality.

Profile

The ideal candidate should possess:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Food Science, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Excellent academic qualifications.
• Advanced knowledge in food processing.
• Strong communication and writing skills paired with high self-motivation.
• Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration and a flexible mindset.
• An enthusiasm for engineering, food technology, and sustainability-related issues.
• Expertise in structuring via extrusion, disintegration, or preservation technologies, as well as project management and nutrition, is a plus.

Workplace

Our work environment promotes a multicultural and interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration and innovation within the team.

We Offer

• A multicultural group with a diverse and interdisciplinary team composition.
• Exciting and varied projects in an innovative environment.
• Personal development opportunities through training, teaching, and further education.
• Perspectives for career advancement.
• A dynamic, collegial working environment with flat hierarchies.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. We are dedicated to sustainability, striving towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application (in English, PDF format), including:

• A motivation letter (max. 1 page) outlining your qualifications and motivation for this project.
• A research proposal (max. 3 pages) on "Future of food processing for affordable, nutritious, and more sustainable foods," addressing current challenges, key literature, and innovative approaches.
• A CV with a list of scientific outputs (e.g., theses, papers).
• Contact details for 2 referees.
• Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas.
• Copies of BSc and MSc theses (any language).
• A transcript listing exams with ECTS credits and grades.
• One recommendation letter.

Please note that we only consider applications matching the job profile. Applications not submitted through the specified online form will not be considered. Additionally, applications without a research proposal will also be excluded from the selection process.

For further information about the group, please visit our website.

If you have questions regarding the position, please reach out via email to Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys at alexander.mathys@hest.ethz.ch and Dr. Corina Sägesser at corina.saegesser@hest.ethz.ch (no direct applications).

The earliest start date is Spring 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. There is no application deadline, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

We would like to emphasize that the pre-selection process is conducted by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct knowledge transfer into society, we host over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, creating an inspiring environment that promotes independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forming connections across the globe, we collaborate to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.