By 2050, the United Nations expects the world population to grow to 9.7 billion people. Considering restricted fresh water and fertile soil, resource-efficient food production and utilization will be crucial to mitigate malnutrition and major societal conflicts. Chemical analysis of volatile food markers could play a pivotal role for the European “farm-to-fork” strategy by providing on-demand feedback on the sustainability and efficiency of food production, processing, distribution and consumption. Yet, chemical analysis remains mostly restricted to specialized laboratories, as available instruments (e.g., gas chromatography or mass spectrometry) are bulky, costly and have to be operated by trained personnel.

Chemo-resistive gas sensors based on nanostructured semiconductors are promising for this challenge. They feature high miniaturization potential, low fabrication cost and can be integrated readily into handheld devices due to their compact design. Major drawbacks of common metal oxide sensors are poor selectivity, sensitivity and stability that impede their widespread application for food monitoring, especially if markers are chemically similar (e.g., methanol/ethanol during fermentation). However, recent discoveries in our lab on the processing of nanostructured sensor and filter materials enable us today to overcome this selectivity limitation. Therefore, novel materials, filters and the resulting devices need to be explored to open new avenues for chemical sensing in food applications.

This full-time position offers students an exciting opportunity to perform cutting-edge research on the engineering of sensor systems (sensor materials, filter and arrays) for food applications. You will join an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment that praises scientific curiosity and creativity. The starting date is as soon as possible.

• You should have a recent Master's degree (or be close to its completion) in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Process), Chemistry, Food Science,  or closely related disciplines
• We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, creative, and excited to work in interdisciplinary teams. Although we welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds, prior experience in the following fields is a plus:
  • chemoresistive gas sensing
  • sensor arrays
  • heterogeneous catalysis
  • nanotechnology: fabrication and characterization techniques
  • microfabrication & clean-room training

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

1. Cover letter with the description of your research achievements and research interests
2. Detailed CV
3. Transcripts of all degrees including ranking informatio (English)
4. Names and contact information of at least three references
5. Representative published research work (Papers, thesis if possible)

Please submit the application documents using only the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, name_application). Do not send it by e-mail.

For more information on our group can be found on our website.

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.