Research Associate in Food Chemistry 80 – 100 %

Research Associate in Food Chemistry 80 – 100 %

As part of interdisciplinary projects, you will develop and implement analytical methods using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterise non-volatile and volatile food raw materials and their products. Your scientific contributions will facilitate the development of future tools for assessing the quality and safety of food products based on their molecular constituents within the food value network, and will enable the development of flavourful, healthy and sustainable food products.

School: Life Sciences und Facility Management

Starting date: From November 2025

• Implementation and development of analytical methods (LC-MS and GC-MS)
• Responsibility for the maintenance and servicing of analytical equipment
• Supervision of undergraduate students during laboratory courses and their research projects
• Support with manuscript writing and funding acquisition
• Completed MSc in Food Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related subject, plus at least three years' active research experience in the chemical characterisation of food or plant metabolites
• A PhD is beneficial; however, candidates with substantial relevant professional or academic research experience are also encouraged to apply
• Hands-on experience in implementing and developing analytical methods using LC-MS and GC-MS, including operating the associated software tools
• Experience in data treatment and interpretation using statistical analysis
• Experience in disseminating your research findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to manage complex details while ensuring alignment with broader project objectives
• Experience in supervising undergraduate students, lab technicians and research assistants is an advantage
• Fluent in English (written and spoken) is mandatory, and knowledge of German is beneficial

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

Life Sciences and Facility Management: study and research in Wädenswil: practical, creative, passionate and reflective. Our expertise in life sciences and facility management in the areas of the environment, food and health enables us to make a vital contribution to solving social challenges and improving quality of life.

Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation: "We understand food" - this holistic approach guides our institute.

We observe all developments relevant to food in society, the economy, technology and nature. We focus on 'managing the making of better food and beverages' in teaching, research, further education and services - in close cooperation with companies, institutions and authorities.

The main focus of the institute is thus on the application-oriented control and optimization of manufacturing processes. The aim is to develop products and solutions that optimally satisfy people's nutritional needs. Our mission is to produce 'better' food and beverages that are delicious, healthy, safe and sustainable from the raw material to the consumer.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

Prof. Dr. Irene Chetschik

Head Research Group Food Chemistry

Jocelyn Schaad

Recruiting Manager