University of Reading
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Fully Funded PhD in Individual Differences and Preferences for Sweetness within the UK University of Reading in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded for four years by Food Consortium IDLA and Mondelēz. Covers UK tuition fees plus an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International students may apply but must cover the difference between Home and International fees, approximately £20k per year and increasing annually.
Deadline
Oct 23, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Reading

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About this position
PhD opportunity: Individual differences and preferences for sweetness within the UK at the University of Reading, with co-supervision from Swansea University and industry collaboration with Mondelēz International.
This 4-year funded PhD studentship explores sweetness perception, taste acuity, consumer liking, and the sweet-liker phenotype across demographic groups in the UK. The project focuses on how sweetness intensity and preference change with ageing, and how these differences play out in real food matrices that also include aroma, bitterness, and fatty mouthfeel.
You will work in a world-class flavour chemistry laboratory and sensory science centre at the University of Reading, gaining experience in sensory and consumer research, advanced modelling, and experimental science. Co-supervision at Swansea University adds training in experimental psychology, especially eating behaviour and consumer acceptability. The project also includes an industry placement opportunity with Mondelēz International at Bournville or Reading.
Funding: fully funded for four years for UK home students, with UK tuition fees covered and an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International applicants may apply, but must pay the difference between Home and International fees.
Eligibility: a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, computational science, data science, or food science. An MPhil, MEng, MSc, or relevant industrial experience is an advantage. Helpful experience includes sensory and consumer science, statistics, problem-solving, and experimental design.
Deadline: 23 October 2026. Start date: January 2027.
How to apply: use the application link on the project page and send completed forms to [email protected] with the subject line “IDLA 2606 RSM Surname”.
Funding details
Fully funded for four years by Food Consortium IDLA and Mondelēz. Covers UK tuition fees plus an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International students may apply but must cover the difference between Home and International fees, approximately £20k per year and increasing annually.
What's required
Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant scientific background such as biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, computational science, data science, food science or related disciplines. An MPhil, MEng, MSc or relevant industrial experience would be an advantage. Helpful experience includes sensory and consumer science, statistics, problem-solving, and experimental design. Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
How to apply
Click the application link provided on the FindAPhD page, then return all completed forms to [email protected]. Use the email subject line: IDLA 2606 RSM Surname. Apply before the closing date.
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