Multiple PhD Positions in Food Systems, Sustainability, Food Processing, Isotope Hydrology, and Food Waste Supply Chains at ETH Zurich ETH Zurich in Switzerland

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.