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 sustainable food systems. By employing innovative approaches, we tackle fundamental challenges such as the protein transition and food security. Our team utilizes sustainability assessments and emerging food system strategies 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 impacts both nutritional quality and environmental impact.

The overall vision is to identify and develop processing strategies that enhance nutritional quality and environmental performance as assessed by nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA), while creating appealing hybrid protein-rich products. In addition to executing processing trials, this role will involve 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 such as multi-scale extruders, high-pressure, and thermal treatment systems, as well as pulsed electric field (PEF) equipment, will serve as the core experimental platform for the project. Advanced analytical methods (e.g., nutritional profiling, bioaccessibility testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, imaging, and spectroscopy) may 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 closely related field.
• Excellent academic qualifications.
• Advanced knowledge in food processing.
• Strong communication and writing skills along with high self-motivation.
• An openness to interdisciplinary collaboration and a flexible mindset.
• A genuine 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, will be advantageous.

Workplace

Our workplace offers a dynamic and collegial environment with flat hierarchies, fostering innovation and collaboration among a multicultural team.

We Offer

• A multicultural group with 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 line with our 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 explore our commitment to creating a fair and supportive environment that allows everyone to thrive. Sustainability is core to our mission, and we are continually working toward 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 enthusiasm for this project.
• 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.
• 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 (any language).
• Transcript listing exams with ECTS credits and grades.
• 1 recommendation letter.

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 via email to Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys and Dr. Corina Sägesser (no direct applications).

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.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our exceptional education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we forge connections across the globe to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.