Doctoral Researcher in Food Processing for Planetary and Human Health / Doctoral Researcher 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 focuses on advancing food processing technologies and their role in sustainable food systems. Through innovative approaches, we tackle fundamental challenges such as protein transition and food security. We leverage sustainability assessments and emerging food system methodologies as key tools to guide processing innovations towards holistic and impactful solutions.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join a collaborative research project that explores how food processing impacts both nutritional quality and environmental sustainability.

The core vision of this project is to identify and develop processing strategies that enhance nutritional quality and environmental performance as evaluated by nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA), while creating appealing and protein-rich hybrid products. This role involves executing processing trials, coordinating collaboration within our team, and engaging with external partners to systematically integrate nutritional, health, and sustainability aspects into the research.

Our well-equipped pilot plants will serve as the experimental platform for this project, featuring technologies ranging from multi-scale extruders to high-pressure and thermal treatment systems, and pulsed electric field (PEF) equipment. Advanced analytical methods, such as nutritional profiling, bioaccessibility assessments, dynamic mechanical analysis, imaging, and spectroscopy, may be utilized to evaluate product quality.

Profile

The ideal candidate must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Food Science, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.

• Excellent academic qualifications.
• Advanced knowledge in food processing.
• Strong communication and writing skills, along with high self-motivation.
• Openness to interdisciplinary work and a flexible mindset.
• Enthusiasm for engineering, food technology, and sustainability-related questions.
• Expertise in structuring through extrusion, disintegration, or preservation technologies, as well as project management and nutrition, is a plus.

Workplace

Join a team that values diversity within a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment, engaging in exciting and varied projects in an innovative setting. We provide personal development opportunities through training, teaching, and continuing education, and career advancement prospects.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a work environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, groundbreaking research, and the direct transfer of knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university a place that fosters independent thought and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.