PhD Student in Food Process Engineering
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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 a 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
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Workplace
Workplace
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
We value diversity and sustainability
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. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
* CV
* Motivation Letter
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
The pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.