ETH Zurich is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Sustainability Assessment, focusing on the evaluation of future global food systems. This full-time, fixed-term position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, with a planned start in spring 2026 (or shortly thereafter).
The role is ideal for candidates with strong quantitative skills who want to shape the sustainability transition of global food systems using data-driven and interdisciplinary approaches.
Research Group and Scientific Context
The position is hosted by the ETH Sustainable Food Processing Group, which addresses critical challenges in food science and society, including:
- Global food security
- The protein transition
- Environmental limits of food production
- Sustainability of emerging food technologies
The group combines advanced sustainability assessment methods with future-oriented food system research, working closely with multiple research groups across ETH Zurich.
Project Overview
The doctoral project aims to develop and apply sustainability assessment frameworks to evaluate current and future global food systems.
A central focus is the integration of future projections and scenario analysis to identify sustainability improvement potentials across food value chains and geographical contexts.
Core Research Dimensions
The assessment will address sustainability across:
- Nutrition and health
- Environmental impacts
- Economic performance
- Social dimensions
The work will be inherently interdisciplinary, combining data science, systems modeling, and sustainability science.
Key Responsibilities
As a PhD researcher, you will:
- Assess the current sustainability performance of global food systems
- Develop future scenarios for food system transformation
- Apply and advance quantitative sustainability assessment methods
- Analyze large and complex datasets
- Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary research teams
- Contribute to academic publications and scientific communication
- Support and mentor BSc and MSc students
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in one of the following or a closely related field:
- Sustainability Sciences
- Environmental Engineering
- Data Science or Computer Science
- Bioscience Engineering
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Strong academic record and writing skills
- High self-motivation and ability to work independently
- Proficiency in:
- Statistical analysis
- Computer programming
- Big data handling
- Demonstrated experience with quantitative sustainability assessment, especially:
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA or LCSA)
Strong Advantages
Candidates will be particularly competitive if they have experience or interest in:
- Mathematical modeling of environmental systems
- Planetary boundaries frameworks
- Food system sustainability and bioeconomy research
- Programming in Python and/or R
- Novel food technologies and alternative protein sources, such as:
- Single-cell proteins (including microalgae)
- Plant-based ingredients
- Novel micronutrient sources
What ETH Zurich Offers
- A multicultural, interdisciplinary research team
- Innovative and high-impact research projects
- Opportunities for:
- Training and teaching
- Further education
- Career development
- A dynamic and collegial working environment
- Flat hierarchies and collaborative culture
Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
ETH Zurich is committed to equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Sustainability is a core institutional value, and ETH Zurich actively works toward a climate-neutral future.
Application Details
There is no fixed deadline. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Applications must be submitted online only via APPLY NOW, in English (PDF format). Applications by email or post will not be considered.
Required Application Documents
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Research proposal (max. 3 pages) on
“Future Global Food Systems Sustainability” - CV including list of scientific outputs
- Contact details of two referees
- Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas
- Copies of BSc and MSc theses (any language)
- Transcript of records (ECTS credits and grades)
- One recommendation letter
If the MSc degree is not yet completed, applicants must submit a confirmation letter from their supervisor and the most recent thesis draft.
⚠️ Applications without a research proposal will not be considered.
Contact Information
For scientific questions (no applications):
- Prof. Dr. Alexander Mathys
alexander.mathys@hest.ethz.ch - Dr. Léa Braud
lea.braud@hest.ethz.ch
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position is funded under ETH Zurich employment conditions.
Where is the position based?
Zurich, Switzerland.
What methods are central to the project?
Life Cycle Assessment, sustainability metrics, data science, and future scenario modeling.
Is food technology experience required?
Not required, but experience with novel foods or alternative proteins is a strong advantage.
When does the position start?
Spring 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
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