Doctoral student position – Evaluating novel mineral sources for treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans

The ETH Zurich Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism and Sustainable Food Processing Group in the Department of Health Science and Technology are running a joint strategic research line on Microalgae and plant-based foods in Human Nutrition and Health. The Sustainable Food Processing group focuses on a system-oriented approach in food production via the consideration of the total value chain, including emerging needs in society and their environmental, economic, and social impact. Innovative raw materials are utilized within urban farming and processing concepts to enable new ways of sustainable food supply. The Laboratory of Epigenetics, Nutrition and Metabolism aims to gain insights into the complex relationship between nutrition, metabolism and the epigenome with advanced techniques such as single-cell and next-generation sequencing techniques as well as human and murine in vivo and in vitro studies and combine these with genome-wide computational and bioinformatic analysis. With strong support from these two ETH groups, we are recruiting as soon as possible a talented and highly motivated doctoral student on the topic of ‘Novel sources of minerals for treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in humans’, focusing on investigating the absorption and bioavailability of novel mineral sources in vivo in clinical trials.

Micronutrient deficiency is a widespread global health problem, primarily driven by inadequate dietary intake. More than 5 billion people are estimated to not consume enough of at least one micronutrient. Among those, mineral deficiencies can be particularly critical, namely, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium deficiencies, which are particularly common in low- and middle-income countries due to low-mineral diets and primarily affect women and children.

Dietary minerals are typically obtained from a variety of foods including animal-based products such as meat, dairy, and seafood, and plant-based foods such as legumes, cereals, nuts, seeds, and leafy vegetables. However, reliance on conventional animal-based foods raises concerns related to environmental sustainability, ethical considerations, and dietary preferences. Although plant-based foods are generally more sustainable, they often have lower mineral content, bioaccessibility, as well as bioavailability due to the presence of absorption inhibitors such as phytates and polyphenols. Given these limitations, the need exists to explore alternative, more sustainable, and mineral-dense food sources that can effectively address global mineral deficiencies.

Novel mineral sources, such as microalgae, could be a rich source of essential minerals, including iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium, along with proteins, lipids, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds. However, the bioavailability of these minerals needs to be assessed with in vivo clinical trials before large scale application in humans.

Job description

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You will be working with a leading research team on Microalgae and Plant-based Foods in Human Nutrition and Health with strong support from both ETH groups. You will be working with state-of-the-art research equipment in an excellent and open working environment. ETH Zurich and the team provide excellent training opportunities for career development and strong networks in both sustainable food and nutrition. The project will also get support from research assistants when needed.

Living expenses will be supported with a fixed-rate standard monthly doctoral student salary according to ETH guidelines.