PhD position: Additive Manufacturing for extrusion of plant-based meat-analogues

In der aktuellen Covid-19 Situation laufen die Rekrutierungen weiter. Es kann dabei allerdings zu Verzögerungen kommen. Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The professorship of Product Development and Engineering Design is working in the field additive manufacuring. We reinvent the design of parts and create new end to end value chains on the basis of additive manufacturing. In our research, we focus on design automation tools for fluidic systems and process applications. In our work we combine computational and experimental research approaches in the same extent.

Project background

Plant-based meat substitutes have become popular due to economic, environmental, ethical and health reasons. Industrial production is based on extrusion cooking, where the hot protein-water mixture is fed into a cooling die, in which the extrudate solidifies under shear to form a fibrous, meat-like texture. State-of-the-art extrusion dies entail a number of technological and business challenges. The goal is to investigate additive manufacturing to overcome current challenges in the field of process engineering. The core focus is to investigate additive manufactured extrusion dies with integrated cooling structures for industrial production.

Link to Video of the project: https://youtu.be/17zGQCrDJqY

Job description

• contribute the scientific progress in the field of additive manufacturing and process engineering
• planning and execution of experiments
• coordinating and execution of the research project
• support the maintenance of research equipment, such as SLM printer
• synergize with team members and collaborators
• participate in teaching activities

Your profile

We welcome highly motivated and curious applicants holding a MSc degree in mechanical or process engineering. The ideal candidate has a strong curiosity about additive manufacturing, fluidic process and engineering challenges. The position requires previous knowledge about engineering design, computational skills, simulations and experimental work. The position additionally requires an independent work style and teamwork skills. Experience with additive manufacturing, extrusion process and plant protein-based meat analogues are of advantage. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written is a requirement. Proficiency in German would be beneficial. Candidates should also have good interpersonal and communication skills. 

We offer

Have a look on our website to get an insight into our team, culture, projects and research activities.

ETH Zurich

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.

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