Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) of Food Biotechnology

The Department of Health Sciences and Technology (www.hest.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich and its Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, IFNH (www.ifnh.ethz.ch) invite applications for the above-mentioned position.

The area of food biotechnology is rapidly evolving with the emergence of technologies such as modeling, high throughput sequencing, and genome editing. It is poised to significantly advance our understanding of the crucial role of microbes along the food chain and for human health.

The assistant professorship will deal with physiological characterization, modifications and applications of microbes and their products with the goal of enhancing the supply, quality, safety and environmental sustainability of healthy and functional foods.

The successful candidate is expected to lead world-class research on food microbes and microbial ecosystems, combining state-of-the-art analytical and molecular methods and bioprocessing. A major focus should be on designing and engineering microbes, consortia and ecosystems for food-related applications.  In-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms and functions, as well as an ability to translate research findings to economy and society, are required. Knowledge of microbial and downstream-processing technologies is desirable.

Further prerequisites are a strong motivation and a commitment to teaching as well as the ability to lead a research group. The new assistant professor will be embedded in the department’s programme in Food Science and will be expected to contribute to teaching food biotechnology, including bioprocessing.

Assistant professorships have been established to promote the careers of younger scientists. ETH Zurich implements a tenure track system equivalent to other top international universities.

Please apply online: www.facultyaffairs.ethz.ch

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and projects, a statement of future research and teaching interests, and a description of the three most important achievements. The letter of application should be addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2019. ETH Zurich is an equal opportunity and family friendly employer and is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. We specifically encourage women to apply.