Doctoral Researcher in Sustainability Assessment Evaluating Global Food Systems

Organisation/Company ETH Sustainable Food Processing Research Field All Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 30 Apr 2026 - 15:18 (Europe/Zurich) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 31 May 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The project aims to further develop and apply sustainability assessment methods to support transformations in future global food systems. By integrating future projections, it will identify improvement potentials in key value chains across diverse geographical contexts. The work will adopt an interdisciplinary approach through close collaboration with other research groups.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to work on this project that assesses the current status and future scenarios of global food systems sustainability across nutrition, environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

• 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

In addition, the candidate should have:

• Excellent 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 modelling 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 (incl. microalgae), and plant-based ingredients, will be considered a strong advantage.

Specific Requirements

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application (English, PDF format), 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 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 cedits and grades

* If you haven’t completed your MSc studies at the time of submission, please substitute the MSc diploma with a written statement by your supervisor specifying the expected completion date and confirming that you are expected to finish on time and send the most recent draft of your thesis.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Furthermore, applications without a research proposal will not be considered either.

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

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.