We are seeking a highly motivated and interdisciplinary PhD student to join an exciting 4-year research project focused on high moisture extrusion of plant-based meat alternatives. This project is a collaboration between Food Process Engineering and Food Structure Engineering at ETH Zürich.
Plant-based meat alternatives are typically obtained via high-moisture extrusion cooking. Texturization is believed to occur during solidification in a cooling die attached to the extruder. The mechanisms underlying this texturization are not fully understood, and the PhD thesis will focus on the flow, structuring, and fracture of meat alternatives under bound‑flow conditions with superimposed gelation. Extrusion, rheology, fluid dynamics, and structure analysis, including neutron and/or X-ray scattering techniques, are foreseen as an playground. This project is part of a doctoral network MSCA.
Job description
* Interaction of flow fields, rheology, gelation, and fracture mechanics
* Role of protein & polysaccharides in the formulation of meat analogues
* Design of flow cells for extrusion and cooling of protein doughs
* In-situ characterization including neutron and x-ray scattering techniques
Profile
* MSc or equivalent in food science or chemical engineering with a solid training in colloidal science or physical chemistry, fluid dynamics, fracture mechanics, rheology, extrusion or scattering
* Scientific interest, dedication to research and career goal to work in food engineering and food material science
* Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
* Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence
* Candidates are only eligible when they were not living more than 6 months in the last three years in Switzerland
With the social and leadership competencies, ETH Zurich has developed a common understanding for a shared work culture. Kindly try to incorporate these six competencies into your recruitment.
We offer
* Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
* You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
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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.
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