This is a joint project between the ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group and the Nutrition and Exercise and Health laboratory at the Department of Health Science & Technology (D-HEST).
The ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group uses a combination of innovative sustainability assessment and emerging food technology approaches to target fundamental challenges in agri-food systems. This group is highly interdisciplinary, cross-cutting across sustainability, nutrition, bioengineering, and food science domains.
The ETH Laboratory of Exercise and Health uses various in vivo and in vitro approaches to study how exercise and specific nutrients (e.g., proteins), interact to stimulate muscle health. Shifting to translational science, the laboratory intends to use a wide range of technologies available at ETH to improve protein bioavailability of upcycled food sources, with the eventual goal to revamp human health.
Job description
Funded by Innosuisse, both laboratories are launching a two years market-driven project aiming to upcycle oat side-streams to high-protein isolates. These isolates will be used to manufacture plant-based milk that has a similar taste, texture and nutritional value as regular cow milk.
The position is partially funded by the project (60-70%) and can be upgraded to 100% if laboratory information management system integration, data management, and different laboratory/pilot plant responsibilities are taken over. You can work full time or part-time. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.
Your profile
We are looking for a motivated food process engineer to support our research and development team. Ideally, you have hands-on experience with various food processing steps, such as protein extraction, separation, isolation, extrusion, and different drying methods. To fit in, you will need to be an entrepreneurial team player with great passion, drive and diligence in your work.
You have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Food Engineering, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocessing or a closely-related area, with excellent academic qualifications. You must be fluent in both written and spoken English. Futhermore, you are an independent and self-motivated person who is able to work in a fast-paced interdisciplinary environment is highly appreciated.
We offer
- Continuous training opportunities
- Support for career development in entrepreneurship and industry
- An interactive and diverse team culture
- A flexible working environment
- You will be hired as a scientific assistant I
We value diversity
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.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover letter including a short statement of experience and qualifications
- Diplomas/ transcripts
- Comprehensive CV (maximum three pages)
- One-page research proposal outlining the current issues, important literature, and possible approaches to tackling challenges in plant-based milk alternatives using upcycled losses
- Contact information for two referees
Applications without a research proposal will not be considered. Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr Gommaar D’Hulst (gommaar-dhulst@ethz.ch ) or Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Mathys by email (alexander.mathys@hest.ethz.ch ) (no applications).
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