PhD Position: Molecular sensor system engineering for food applications

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.