Doctoral Student: Novel Mineral Sources for Micronutrient Deficiencies

About the role

The ETH Zurich Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism and the Sustainable Food Processing Group in the Department of Health Science and Technology run a joint research line on microalgae and plant-based foods in human nutrition and health. They are recruiting a doctoral student to study novel mineral sources for treating micronutrient deficiencies, with a focus on investigating the absorption and bioavailability of these sources in vivo in clinical trials.

Key responsibilities

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

Required profile

• MSc in Nutrition and Health, Clinical Trials, Food Science and Technology (with strong nutrition or clinical experience), or a relevant field
• Strong passion for nutrition, health, sustainability and novel food sources
• Interest in working with human/clinical work; GCP certificate is compulsory but can be obtained after starting
• Experience and interest in nutrition assessment using in vivo models
• Ability to work in a dynamic, international, interdisciplinary team and to supervise students
• Strong English communication skills and scientific curiosity

What we offer

• Work with a leading research team and state-of-the-art equipment in an open environment
• Training opportunities and strong networks in sustainable food and nutrition
• Support from research assistants when needed
• A fixed-rate monthly doctoral student salary according to ETH guidelines covering living expenses

Applications must be submitted online through the ETH portal with a one-page motivation letter, a three-page research proposal, a CV with two referees, degree certificates and transcripts, and copies of theses. The position is open to international students; the latest expected start date is 1 September 2026.