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

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

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.

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 modular extrusion platforms based on 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

• 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

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

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. 

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.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents::

• Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Diplomas
• Copy of your MSc thesis (or term paper if the thesis is not yet submitted)
• Summary of your MSc thesis (max. 1 page)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about  the Group can be found on our website .Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Mirko Meboldt via email [email protected] (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich  apply.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website  to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.