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 is dedicated to advancing food processing technologies and their contributions to sustainable food systems. We utilize innovative approaches to address critical challenges, such as the protein transition and food security. Our sustainability assessment methodologies and emerging food system strategies serve as essential tools to guide processing innovations toward impactful solutions.

Job Description

We seek a highly motivated candidate to join our collaborative research project aimed at understanding how food processing influences both nutritional quality and environmental impact.

The project's overarching vision is to identify and develop processing strategies that enhance nutritional quality and environmental performance, evaluated through nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA), while creating appealing, protein-rich products. The role involves executing processing trials and coordinating collaborations within the team and with external partners to systematically integrate nutritional, health, and sustainability considerations into our research.

Our state-of-the-art pilot plants, equipped with technologies ranging from multi-scale extruders to 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 employed to assess product quality.

Profile

The ideal candidate will 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 with high self-motivation.
• Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration and a flexible mindset.
• Enthusiasm for engineering, food technology, and sustainability issues.
• Expertise in structuring through extrusion, disintegration, or preservation technologies, as well as project management and nutrition, will be considered advantageous.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a multicultural environment characterized by a diverse and interdisciplinary team. We provide exciting and varied projects within an innovative context, alongside opportunities for personal and career development through training, teaching, and further education.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We advocate for equal opportunity, value diversity, and foster a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we maintain a fair and supportive environment that allows everyone to flourish. Sustainability remains a central commitment as we strive toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We welcome your application. Please apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities globally, specializing in science and technology. Our esteemed institution is known for its outstanding education, pioneering fundamental research, and effective transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe and establishing connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop innovative solutions to today’s and tomorrow's global challenges.