PhD in Novel Mineral Sources, Micronutrient Deficiencies, Nutrition and Clinical Trials ETH Zurich in Switzerland

ETH Zurich is recruiting a doctoral student for a project on novel mineral sources for the treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans. The position sits at the interface of nutrition, public health, medical science, food science, and sustainability, with a focus on the absorption, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of minerals from alternative sources such as microalgae and plant-based foods.

The project is run jointly by the ETH Zurich Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism and the Sustainable Food Processing Group in the Department of Health Science and Technology. The research background highlights global mineral deficiencies, especially iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium, and the need for more sustainable, mineral-dense food sources. The successful candidate will summarize existing knowledge, design intervention meals, assess mineral bioaccessibility in vitro, evaluate mineral bioavailability, and carry out clinical trials related to human nutrition enriched with novel mineral sources.

Additional responsibilities include supporting teaching, co-supervising MSc and BSc students, collaborating with academic and industry partners, and supporting grant applications and related activities across ETH-linked initiatives. The role is suitable for candidates with an MSc in Nutrition and Health, Clinical Trials, Food Science and Technology, or a related field, especially those with strong interest or experience in human/clinical work. A GCP certificate is compulsory, but it can be obtained after starting.

Funding is provided as a fixed-rate standard monthly doctoral student salary according to ETH guidelines. The position is open to international students. Applications must be submitted through the ETH Zurich online application portal; email and postal applications are not accepted. The call remains open until a suitable candidate is found, and the latest expected starting date is 2026-09-01 (earlier start preferred).

Required application documents include a motivation letter, a research proposal, CV with two referees, degree certificates and transcripts, and copies of BSc/MSc theses if available. If the MSc is not yet completed, applicants should provide a supervisor statement confirming expected completion and submit the latest thesis draft.