PhD in Public Health and Social Research on Support for a Healthier Food Environment Erasmus MC in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam in Public Health, Social Research, Health Policy, and Behavioral Science.

This PhD project, titled Societal Support for a Healthier Food Environment / Maatschappelijk draagvlak voor een gezondere voedselomgeving, investigates why people resist policies aimed at making the food environment healthier, why unhealthy food advertising is often accepted, and how trust, fairness, and legitimacy of health policy can be improved.

The position is part of the national Premier-CVD consortium, which focuses on healthier food systems in the Netherlands and combines financial/economic perspectives, public support, communication, and legal possibilities for healthier food environments.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team at Erasmus MC and collaborate with researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Wageningen University, Amsterdam UMC, and UMC Groningen. Named supervisors and collaborators include Dr. Joost Oude Groeniger, Prof. Dr. Frank van Lenthe, Prof. Dr. Jeroen van der Waal, Prof. Dr. Willem de Koster, and Dr. Maartje Poelman.

Research activities include in-depth interviews with citizens, especially people from lower socioeconomic groups, survey experiments, conversations with civil society organizations and policymakers, and mixed-methods analysis. The role is well suited to candidates with a background in social sciences, health sciences, communication sciences, or related fields, and with experience in both qualitative and quantitative methods.

The appointment is for 4 years with a gross monthly salary from €3,108 in year 1 to €3,939 in year 4 (36 hours/week). Additional benefits include a 13th month, travel reimbursement, pension contribution, and partial home working.

Deadline: 15 May 2026. Apply through the Erasmus MC vacancy page. First interviews are planned for 8 June in the afternoon.