The Sustainable Food Processing Lab at ETH Zurich, led by Professor Alexander Mathys, is seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher to join a collaborative project focused on food processing for planetary and human health. The research aims to understand and improve how food processing affects both nutritional quality and environmental impact, with a vision to develop strategies that enhance nutritional value and sustainability as assessed by nutritional life cycle assessment (nLCA). The project will involve creating appealing hybrid protein-rich products and systematically integrating nutritional, health, and sustainability aspects into research activities. The lab is equipped with advanced pilot plants featuring multi-scale extruders, high-pressure and thermal treatment systems, and pulsed electric field (PEF) equipment. The doctoral researcher will use advanced analytical methods such as nutritional profiling, bioaccessibility studies, dynamic mechanical analysis, imaging, and spectroscopy to assess product quality. The position offers the opportunity to coordinate collaborations within the team and with external partners, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable food processing. Applicants should have a strong background in food science, food engineering, chemical engineering, biology, nutrition, or related fields. Experience with food processing technologies and analytical methods is desirable. Candidates must be highly motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, and possess excellent communication skills. Proficiency in English is required. The position is fully funded and based in Zurich, Switzerland. There is no fixed application deadline; the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Interested candidates should apply online via the ETH Zurich application portal and not contact Dr. Corina Sägesser directly for applications. For more information about the group and the application process, visit the Sustainable Food Processing Lab website and the ETH Zurich job portal. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in sustainable food systems, nutritional science, and environmental impact assessment to contribute to innovative research at a leading global institution.

The Sustainable Food Processing Lab at ETH Zurich, led by Professor Alexander Mathys, is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on sustainability assessment for evaluating future global food systems. The research aims to develop and apply advanced sustainability assessment methods to support transformative changes in food systems worldwide. By integrating future projections, the project will identify improvement potentials in key value chains across diverse geographical contexts, considering nutrition, environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The position is based in the renowned ETH Zurich, Switzerland, within the Sustainable Food Processing Lab. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate closely with other research groups. The lab's research interests include sustainability assessment, food processing, and the development of innovative solutions for global food system challenges. Applicants should have a strong motivation for interdisciplinary research in sustainability assessment of food systems. A relevant background in environmental science, food science, sustainability, or related fields is expected. Experience with assessment methods and collaboration in research groups is advantageous. The position is fully funded, though specific stipend or tuition details are not provided. The start date is Spring 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications must be submitted online via the ETH Zurich application portal. For further information about the group, visit the Sustainable Food Processing Lab website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Léa Braud at [email protected] (no direct applications). ETH Zurich is a leading institution in sustainability and food systems research, offering a vibrant academic environment and excellent research facilities. Early application is encouraged as the position will remain open until filled.

ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, is offering multiple fully funded PhD positions in the field of sustainable food systems. These positions are available within member groups of the World Food System Center and span a range of research areas including sustainability assessment, food processing, isotope hydrology, and food waste supply chains. The projects are hosted in the Department of Environmental Systems Science (D-USYS) and the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), with collaborations across groups such as the Sustainable Food Processing Group, Grassland Sciences, WaldLab Ecohydrology, Food Systems Economics and Policy, and Global Health Engineering. Research topics include: Evaluating novel mineral sources for treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans Sustainability assessment for evaluating future global food systems Food processing for planetary and human health Isotope-enabled evapotranspiration partitioning Food waste supply chains in rapidly urbanizing areas Supervisors include Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys, Dr. Léa Braud, Dr. Corina Sägesser, Prof. Dr. Nina Buchmann, Dr. Marius Floriancic, Prof. Eva-Marie Meemken, and Prof. Elizabeth Tilley. The research is interdisciplinary, combining environmental science, biology, nutrition, economics, agriculture, and earth science. Projects may involve advanced laboratory work, fieldwork, data analysis, and international collaboration, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, food security, and innovative solutions for global challenges. Eligibility: Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree and strong English skills. Additional requirements include experience in sustainability assessment, food technology, environmental or agricultural sciences, data analysis, and programming. Some projects require fieldwork, survey data collection, or a driver’s license. Candidates should be motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently. Funding: All positions are fully funded according to ETH Zurich rules, with salary and social benefits provided. Positions are typically for four years. Application: Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich online portal. Required documents include a motivation letter, research proposal, CV, diplomas, transcripts, and contact details for referees. Applications via email or post are not accepted. For questions, contact the listed supervisors by email (no applications). Deadline: The application deadline for the Food Waste Supply Chains position is February 27, 2026. Other positions remain open until filled; early application is encouraged. For more information, visit the provided links to the ETH Zurich job portal and group websites.