PhD in Behavioral and Cognitive Mechanisms of Sustainable Food Choices University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of Behavioral and Cognitive Mechanisms of Sustainable Consumer Food Choices. This opportunity is part of the REAP2SOW project, which aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, plant-forward protein system by 2050. The research will focus on how forgotten protein crops such as aardaker, white lupin, and quinoa can become part of everyday consumer choices, using advanced methods like immersive virtual reality (VR), eye-tracking, and behavioral data analysis.

The successful candidate will join the Cognition, Data and Education (CoDE) group at the University of Twente and collaborate closely with the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Group at Wageningen University. The project involves designing and evaluating interventions to promote sustainable food choices, building virtual supermarket and dining environments, and conducting behavioral experiments to understand how visual presentation, context, and multisensory cues influence consumer decisions. The research will also involve interaction with historians, agronomists, plant breeders, gastronomists, and industry partners to ensure practical relevance and robust implementation.

Applicants should have a completed MSc degree in cognitive psychology, computer science, consumer behavior, human-media interaction, or a related field. Experience or interest in experimental design, mixed-methods research, and ideally eye-tracking or VR-based behavioral studies is required. Strong analytical and statistical skills, proficiency in English, and the ability to communicate with both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders are essential. Dutch proficiency is an advantage but not required.

The position offers a gross monthly salary starting at €3,059 in the first year, increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year, along with excellent benefits including holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension scheme, 29 holidays per year, and access to training and personal development programs. The PhD will be embedded in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with excellent facilities and mentorship.

Applications are open until 28 February 2026. To apply, candidates should submit a CV and cover letter online. For more information about the position or the application process, contact Dr. Funda Yildirim at [email protected].