Scientific Employee Food Technology 50%

Scientific Employee Food Technology 50%

This exciting position revolves around the expansion of a Knowledge Hub for knowledge transfer from research to applications in the highly innovative field of sustainable food processing.

Department: Life Sciences and Facility Management

Start of work: 1.1.2026 or by arrangement
The employment is limited to 1 year, with the option of extension.

• Scientific research in the field of sustainable foods and their production
• Target group-oriented preparation of scientific findings:
• Writing scientific review articles and practical guides
• Creation of informational materials for both industry and consumers
• Market research and interviews with companies on sustainable foods and sustainable food processing
• Maintenance and further development of the Hub website zhaw.ch/cirvalis
• Organization of events within existing and new networks for the food processing sector
• Academic background in food processing and sustainability (at least Master’s, ideally PhD)
• Strong interest in knowledge transfer
• Strong communicator
• Very good German and English skills, spoken and written
• Team-oriented
• Optional: flair for data visualization and experience in web design

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, with over 14,000 students and over 11,000 continuing education participants as well as around 3,700 employees, is one of the largest multi-disciplinary universities of applied sciences in Switzerland.

The focus of the Institute for Food and Beverage Innovation (ILGI) is on the application-oriented control and optimization of manufacturing processes. The goal is products and solutions that optimally meet people’s needs regarding nutrition. Our mission is "better" foods and beverages that are enjoyable, healthy, safe, and sustainable from raw material to consumer.

The Food Technology research group as part of ILGI deals with questions around the development, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable food manufacturing processes. The basis of all developments is the materials science understanding of the relationships between process, structure, and properties of foods as well as their effect on the environment. The focus is on improving process technologies regarding their ecological footprint by using the most sustainable raw materials possible, increasing efficiency, and valorizing by-products. At the same time, it must be ensured that the resulting foods are nutritionally valuable, sensorily attractive, safe, and economically viable. Suitable methods are developed to evaluate the achieved effects.

The newly founded "Sustainable Food Processing and Packaging Hub Cirvalis" as of January 1, 2025, is an important initiative to promote sustainability in the food and packaging industry. It offers a comprehensive platform that supports both sustainable food processing and packaging. Scientific findings are structured, industry data collected, and misinformation uncovered to enable informed decisions. Training, communication, and a "Community of Practice" also promote sustainable developments in this area.

The advertised position is part of the Food Technology research group. The position offers an exciting and versatile activity in a motivated team with flexible working hours and a high degree of personal responsibility. The project enables continuous professional and content development, direct collaboration with companies in the food industry, and thus valuable insights into current market trends and innovation fields. In addition, personal qualities such as organizational talent and self-management can be used and expanded in everyday work. Close contact with company partners is also part of the daily work environment.

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

We look forward to your application.

We offer university-appropriate working and employment conditions and actively promote the personnel development of our employees and managers. A detailed description of the benefits can be found on the "Working at ZHAW" website. Here are the main points:

Prof. Dr. Nadina Müller

Head of Food Technology Research Group / Lecturer for Food Process Engineering and Innovation in Food

Jocelyn Schaad

Recruiting Manager