Doctoral student position - Evaluating novel mineral sources for treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans

The ETH Zurich Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism and Sustainable Food Processing Group in the Department of Health Science and Technology are running a joint strategic research line on Microalgae and plant-based foods in Human Nutrition and Health . The Sustainable Food Processing group focuses on a system-oriented approach in food production via the consideration of the total value chain, including emerging needs in society and their environmental, economic, and social impact. Innovative raw materials are utilized within urban farming and processing concepts to enable new ways of sustainable food supply. The Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism aims to gain insights into the complex relationship between nutrition, metabolism and the epigenome with advanced techniques such as single-cell and next-generation sequencing techniques as well as human and murine in vivo and in vitro studies and combine these with genome-wide computational and bioinformatic analysis. With strong support from these two ETH groups, we are recruiting as soon as possible a talented and highly motivated doctoral student on the topic of ‘Novel sources of minerals for treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans’, focusing on investigating the absorption and bioavailability of novel mineral sources in vivo in clinical trials.

Project background

Micronutrient deficiency is a widespread global health problem, primarily driven by inadequate dietary intake. More than 5 billion people are estimated to not consume enough of at least one micronutrient. Among those, mineral deficiencies can be particularly critical, namely, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium deficiencies, which are particularly common in low- and middle-income countries due to low-mineral diets and primarily affect women and children.

Dietary minerals are typically obtained from a variety of foods including animal-based products such as meat, dairy, and seafood, and plant-based foods such as legumes, cereals, nuts, seeds, and leafy vegetables. However, reliance on conventional animal-based foods raises concerns related to environmental sustainability, ethical considerations, and dietary preferences. Although plant-based foods are generally more sustainable, they often have lower mineral content, bioaccessibility, as well as bioavailability due to the presence of absorption inhibitors such as phytates and polyphenols. Given these limitations, the need exists to explore alternative, more sustainable, and mineral-dense food sources that can effectively address global mineral deficiencies.

Novel mineral sources, such as microalgae, could be a rich source of essential minerals, including iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium, along with proteins, lipids, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds. However, the bioavailability of these minerals needs to be assessed with in vivo clinical trials before large scale application in humans.

Job description

As a doctoral student, you will be responsible for research working towards exploring the absorption and bioavailability of novel mineral sources with clinical trials.

• Summarize the existing knowledge on minerals from novel sources for human nutrition and health
• Design intervention meals (including sensory test) for clinical trials
• Assess the bioaccessibility of minerals in vitro
• Evaluate the mineral bioavailability in vitro
• Carry out clinical trials related to human nutrition enriched with novel mineral sources (key)
• Support teaching activities and co-supervise MSc and BSc students
• Act at the interface between science and technology when supervising students and collaborating with partners from academia and industry
• Support grant applications for the team and support related activities from Singapore-ETH Centre, Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at NUS, ETH World Food System Center WFSC, and ETH for Development ETH4D competence center

Profile

• A MSc in Nutrition and Health, Clinical Trials, Food Science and Technology (with strong nutrition or clinical experience), or relevant fields
• A strong passion for nutrition and health, sustainability, and novel food sources
• Expertise and interest in working with human/clinical related works (GCP certificate is compulsory, however, can be obtained after starting)
• Experience and strong interest in nutrition assessment using in vivo models
• Ability to work in a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary team
• Ability to collaborate with different teams and national and international partners
• Interest in working independently and supervising students
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Scientific curiosity and motivation to perform scientifically rigorous experimental work

We offer

You will be working with a leading research team on Microalgae and Plant-based Foods in Human Nutrition and Health with strong support from both ETH groups. You will be working with state-of-the-art research equipment in an excellent and open working environment. ETH Zurich and the team provide excellent training opportunities for career development and strong networks in both sustainable food and nutrition. The project will also get support from research assistants when needed.

Living expenses will be supported with a fixed-rate standard monthly doctoral student salary according to ETH guidelines .

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.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. The position is open to international students. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. The call is open until we identify a suitable candidate. There is no clear deadline for applications. The latest starting date is expected to be 01 September 2026, the earlier the better.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents (In English, PDF format):

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) outlining your qualifications and motivation for this project
• Research proposal (max. 3 pages) within the project background described above (own designed proposal)
• CV with contact details of two referees (name, affiliation, position, email address; one referee should be from your current organization)
• Degree certificates* (e.g., Master's and Bachelor's degree) and transcript of records
• Copies of BSc and MSc theses (any language)*, if possible and not confidential

* 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 applications without these documents will not be considered. More information about our research can be found at the website of Sustainable Food Processing and at the website of  Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics . Further questions regarding the position should be directed to the project lead Dr. Dr. Fengzheng Gao, Voir email sur jobs.nzz.ch with Prof. Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn Voir email sur jobs.nzz.ch and Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys Voir email sur jobs.nzz.ch in cc.

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