Doctoral student position – Evaluating novel mineral sources for treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans

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.

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. The Sustainable Food Processing group focuses on a system-oriented approach in food production via the consideration of the total value chain, including emerging needs in society and their environmental, economic, and social impact. Innovative raw materials are utilized within urban farming and processing concepts to enable new ways of sustainable food supply. The Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism aims to gain insights into the complex relationship between nutrition, metabolism and the epigenome with advanced techniques such as single-cell and next-generation sequencing techniques as well as human and murine in vivo and in vitro studies and combine these with genome-wide computational and bioinformatic analysis.

• 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