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

Job Description

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

The overall vision is to identify and develop processing strategies that enhance nutritional quality and environmental performance, as evaluated through nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA), while creating appealing hybrid protein-rich products. In addition to executing processing trials, the role includes coordinating collaborations within the team and with external partners to ensure that nutritional, health, and sustainability aspects are systematically integrated into the research.

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

Profile

The candidate must hold a:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Food Science, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.

In addition, the candidate should possess:

• 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 via extrusion, disintegration, or preservation technologies, alongside project management and nutrition, will be considered a plus.

Workplace

A dynamic, collegial environment fosters collaboration and innovation within our multicultural group, which is composed of a diverse and interdisciplinary team.

We Offer

• An engaging and varied array of projects in an innovative environment.
• Opportunities for personal development through training, teaching, and further education.
• Perspectives for career advancement.
• A collegial working atmosphere with flat hierarchies.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our core values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to see how we maintain a fair and welcoming atmosphere that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is paramount—our commitment to achieving a climate-neutral future remains unwavering.

Curious? So Are We!

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Your submission should include:

• 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 of two referees.
• Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas.
• Copies of BSc and MSc theses (in any language).
• A transcript listing exams with ECTS credits and grades.
• One recommendation letter.

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

For any inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys at alexander.mathys@hest.ethz.ch or Dr. Corina Sägesser at corina.saegesser@hest.ethz.ch (no direct applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a leading global university specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our high-quality education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a nurturing environment that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Nestled in the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide, collaborating to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.