Doctoral Position in Novel Mineral Sources for Micronutrient Deficiencies at ETH Zurich

About the Position

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. We are recruiting 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.

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

• Working with a leading research team on Microalgae and Plant-based Foods in Human Nutrition and Health with strong support from both ETH groups.
• State-of-the-art research equipment in an excellent and open working environment.
• 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.

Application Requirements

Submit 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.

Applications without these documents will not be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is Switzerland's federal institute of technology in Zurich. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, architecture and related disciplines. Its research connects fundamental scientific questions with technological applications, supporting international collaboration and training for students interested in advanced study, innovation and scientific discovery.

Official website: https://ethz.ch

Application dates

Milestone	Date
Application deadline	Open until suitable candidate identified
Latest starting date	01 September 2026
Start date	As soon as possible

Contact

• Email: fengzheng.gao@hest.ethz.ch
• Email: ferdinand.vonmeyenn@hest.ethz.ch
• Email: alexander.mathys@hest.ethz.ch

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.

Official Link

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_PeBFLlVSXBQT8tuOqj

Important Notes

• The position is open to international students.
• Applications are exclusively accepted through the online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
• The call is open until a suitable candidate is identified. There is no clear deadline for applications.
• Pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: Open until filled - No fixed deadline. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.

Open the official application page ↗

Application guides

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