Doctoral Researcher in Sustainability Assessment for Evaluating Future Global Food Systems / Doctoral Researcheress in Sustainability Assessment for Evaluating Future Global Food Systems

Doctoral Researcher in Sustainability Assessment for Evaluating Future Global Food Systems

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group employs innovative sustainability assessment and emerging food system approaches to tackle fundamental challenges in food science and society, focusing on critical issues such as the protein transition and food security.

The Project: This initiative aims to advance and apply sustainability assessment methods to facilitate transformations in future global food systems. By incorporating future projections, it will identify potential improvements across key value chains in diverse geographical contexts, adopting an interdisciplinary approach through collaboration with various research groups.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to contribute to this project, which assesses the current status and future scenarios of sustainability in global food systems across nutritional, environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Profile

The successful candidate must possess:

• Master's degree in Sustainability Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Data/Computer Sciences, Bioscience Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

Additionally, the candidate should have:

• Outstanding academic qualifications, strong writing skills, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, computer programming, and big data handling (essential).
• Experience in quantitative sustainability assessment such as life cycle assessment (essential), mathematical modeling of environmental systems (a plus), and planetary boundaries (a plus).
• Documented work in food system sustainability, bioeconomy, LCA/LCSA, planetary boundaries, or data science programming (Python, R) (a strong plus).
• High curiosity, openness to new ideas, effective teamwork, and communication skills.
• Interest in advancing sustainability science in future food systems and mentoring BSc/MSc students.

Candidates with experience or strong interest in innovative food technologies and novel protein/micronutrient sources, such as single-cell proteins (including microalgae) and plant-based ingredients, will be considered a strong advantage.

Workplace

The working environment will be dynamic and collegial, with flat hierarchies that foster collaboration and innovation.

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 development.
• A dynamic, collegial working environment with flat hierarchies.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich advocates for an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are upheld. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to discover how we foster a fair and open environment conducive to personal growth. Sustainability is a core principle for us, and we are committed to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application, including:

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) outlining your qualifications and motivation for this project.
• Research proposal (max. 3 pages) on "Future Global Food Systems Sustainability", addressing current challenges, key literature, and approaches to sustainability in novel food value chains.
• CV with a list of scientific outputs (e.g., theses, papers).
• Contact details of 2 referees.
• Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas.
• Copies of BSc and MSc theses (in any language).
• Transcript listing exams with ECTS credits and grades.
• 1 recommendation letter.

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about the group, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed by email to Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys at alexander.mathys@hest.ethz.ch and Dr. Léa Braud at lea.braud@hest.ethz.ch (no direct applications).

The start date is spring 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH Zurich is home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections worldwide, we aim to devise solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.