Doctoral Researcher in Food Processing Planetary and Human Health

Overview

The ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group focuses on advancing food processing technologies and their role in sustainable food systems, using innovative approaches to tackle challenges such as the protein transition and food security. We use sustainability assessment and emerging food system approaches to guide processing innovations toward holistic and impactful solutions.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to join a collaborative research project that explores how food processing affects both nutritional quality and environmental impact. The goal is to identify and develop processing strategies that improve nutritional quality and environmental performance as assessed by nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA) while creating appealing hybrid protein-rich products. 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 feature technologies from multi-scale extruders to high-pressure and thermal treatment systems, pulsed electric field (PEF) equipment, and more. Advanced analytical methods (e.g., nutritional profiling, bioaccessibility, dynamic mechanical analysis, imaging, spectroscopy) may be employed to assess product quality.

• Execute processing trials and coordinate collaborations within the team and with external partners to integrate nutritional, health, and sustainability considerations into research.
• Identify and develop processing strategies that improve nutritional quality and environmental performance as assessed by nLCA and create appealing hybrid protein-rich products.
• Assess product quality using advanced analytical methods and contribute to data interpretation and reporting.

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 have:

• Excellent academic qualifications.
• Advanced knowledge in food processing.
• Strong communication and writing skills and high self-motivation.
• Openness to interdisciplinary work and a flexible mindset.
• Enthusiasm for engineering, food technology, and sustainability-related questions.
• Expertise in extrusion, disintegration, or preservation technologies, and project management and nutrition; these will be considered a plus.

We offer a multicultural, interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for personal development through training, teaching, and further education. A dynamic, collegial working environment with flat hierarchies is provided.

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 staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment for everyone to grow.

Sustainability is a core value for us – we are working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? We look forward to receiving your online application (English, PDF format), including:

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) outlining qualifications and motivation 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 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.

* 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 include the most recent draft of your thesis.

Please note that applications must be submitted exclusively through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. A research proposal is required.

For further information about the group, please visit our website.

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

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

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for education, fundamental research, and transfer of knowledge. Located in the heart of Europe, we work to develop solutions for global challenges of today and tomorrow.