PhD position: Product appeal and prevention of harmful consumption behaviour

Are you interested in sensory and consumer science? Are you motivated to have an impact on policy making and regulation of youth-appealing beverages containing psycho-active compounds, such as energy drinks, alcopops and seltzers? We are looking for an excellent and motivated PhD candidate to join WUR and RIVM to work on sensory properties of youth-appealing flavoured beverages related to appeal and consumer behavior, to discourage their use in the Netherlands and worldwide.

About the role

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research on product appeal and the prevention of harmful consumption behaviour. Your work will contribute to understanding how product characteristics influence consumer choices and how interventions can reduce the risk of harmful consumption. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team at RIVM and WUR, focusing on public health, behavioural science, and sensory and consumer science. Your research will support forward-looking policy measures to discourage the use of reinforcing harmful products (RHPs) such as energy drinks, alcopops, seltzers, and other youth-appealing beverages, both in the Netherlands and worldwide.

In the past decades, there has been a proliferation of many new RHPs that are widely consumed by vulnerable consumer groups at key stages of their development. These products, including ‘starter drinks’ (alcopops, seltzers), energy drinks, flavoured teas, canned ice coffee, and soft drinks, are available in striking, colourful packaging and contain high levels of sugars, sweeteners, and flavourings. You will focus on the effect of additives and packaging on the liking of these products, which are formulated to create heightened hedonic appeal and may lead to initiation, conditioning, and continuation of use.

Your work will include perceptual and behavioral studies to examine sensory properties and additives of RHPs, as well as quantitative and qualitative consumer studies on knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions. You will also carry out database and analytical-chemical studies on appeal-increasing additives. Based on your results, you will provide the Dutch Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization with evidence for public communication and regulation of these products.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute analytical, sensory, behavioral, and consumer studies related to product appeal and consumption behaviour.
• Analyse data and interpret results to inform public health strategies and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with universities, experts in behavioural science, public health, policy, and other partners worldwide as needed.
• Supervise students and take part in educational duties.
• Present research at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the development of interventions aimed at preventing harmful consumption.
• Develop yourself to become an independent researcher.

You will work at two different locations, benefiting from the expertise at both RIVM and WUR. Your work will be multidisciplinary, and you will cooperate with many team members, forwarding worldwide policy making and contributing to healthier future generations.

Your working environment

You will be positioned at the Centre for Health Protection | RIVM, Department for Chemical Analysis, Tobacco and Drugs, and work closely with the Sensory Science and Eating Behavior chair group of the Division of Human Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University. At RIVM, more than 2,500 colleagues work together every day on good care, a healthy lifestyle, safe products, and a safe and healthy living environment. The Center for Health Protection studies the health effects and risks for humans of chemical and biological agents, supporting policies of various ministries and regulators. The department has an informal atmosphere with a lot of collaboration, and everyone’s expertise and individuality is respected.

The mission of WUR is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. With approximately 30 locations, 6,500 employees, and 12,000 students, it is one of the leading organizations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. You will enrol in a graduate school that provides you with a research and education program of academic excellence.

About you

• You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as sensory or consumer science, health behavior, psychobiology, psychology, behavioural science, or public health.
• You have a clear interest in sensory science and consumer behavior, with experience or background in experimental human studies and physiology/psychobiology, and applications to prevention and health.
• Expertise in analytical chemistry and data analysis is a plus.
• You have experience and interest in working in interdisciplinary teams.
• You have excellent (academic) writing and oral communication skills in English.
• You have strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to quickly acquire new skills and knowledge.
• You are motivated to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

We welcome candidates who see challenges as development opportunities. If you do not yet have the full track record required but have solid work experience, we encourage you to apply.

Competences

• Analysis and judgment
• Collaboration and persuasiveness
• Planning and organizing
• Creativity

What we offer

• An inspiring research environment at RIVM in Bilthoven and Wageningen University & Research.
• Opportunities for professional development and academic growth.
• Collaboration with leading experts in the field.
• A position for 36 hours per week.
• A fixed-term employment contract for 4 years.
• During the PhD trajectory, your salary is determined according to the Dutch government’s job classification system (Functiegebouw Rijk, FGR): In the first year €3,246.16 gross per month (scale 8, step 0); in the second year scale 8, step 5; in the third year scale 8, step 7; and in the fourth year scale 8, step 8.
• An Individueel Keuzebudget (IKB) of 16.5% of your gross annual salary, which you can use for extra income, additional leave, or tax-friendly purposes.
• Secondary employment benefits including study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, and partially paid parental leave.
• Support for personal growth and career development, with many opportunities for further training.
• A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive working environment.