Doctoral Researcher in Sustainability Assessment for Evaluating Future Global Food Systems

The ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group uses a combination of innovative sustainability assessment and emerging food system approaches to target fundamental challenges in food science and society, such as the protein transition and food security.

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.

Job description

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.

Profile

The successful candidate must hold a:

• 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.

We offer

We offer:

• A multicultural group with a diverse and interdisciplinary team composition.
• Exciting and varied projects in an innovative environment.
• Personal development opportunities through training, teaching, and further education.
• Perspectives for career development.
• A dynamic, collegial working environment with flat hierarchies.

We value diversity and sustainability

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 our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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
• 1 recommendation letter

*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. There is no deadline and and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

For further information about the group, please visit our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed by email to Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys E-Mail auf jobs.nzz.ch ansehen and Dr. Léa Braud E-Mail auf jobs.nzz.ch ansehen (no direct applications).

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.