PhD Studentship: Consumer Perceptions of Cellular Agriculture University of Bristol in United Kingdom

[£20,780 per annum studentship.]

This PhD studentship at the University of Bristol Business School offers a unique opportunity to explore consumer psychology in the context of cellular agriculture, with a particular focus on perceptions and adoption of cultured meat. The project is delivered in collaboration with CARMA, the EPSRC-funded Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub, and is embedded within a multidisciplinary environment at the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The research aims to identify and quantify the psychological and social factors influencing consumer attitudes, affective and cognitive responses, and the barriers to adopting cellular agriculture technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to evidence-informed discussions about the future of food, working closely with publics, professionals, stakeholders, and policymakers to understand societal impacts and possible futures of cellular agriculture.

Supervised by Dr Jasmina Stevanov and Professor Brian Squire, the doctoral candidate will master a range of research methods, including online and in-person surveys, behavioural experiments, and advanced psychophysiological techniques such as eye-tracking, heart rate, skin conductance, and electroencephalography. Prior experience with these methods is advantageous. The University of Bristol Business School provides access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Smart Cinema, Bristol Digital Futures Institute, and MyWorld, enabling the capture of psychological and emotional responses from audiences.

Applicants should have a first-class honours degree (or international equivalent) or a strong upper second-class honours (2:1) in Marketing, Psychology, Neuroscience, Behavioural Science, or another quantitatively oriented social science discipline. A relevant master’s degree is desirable, but exceptional bachelor-level candidates will also be considered. The studentship offers £20,780 per annum in funding.

The application process involves two stages: first, submit a mandatory Expression of Interest (EOI) form detailing your academic background and methodological skills. Only those who receive a positive response will be invited to submit a formal application via the University of Bristol’s online portal. Select 'Management (PhD)' on the programme selection page. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2026.

This position is ideal for candidates interested in consumer psychology, food innovation, sustainability transitions, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. The multidisciplinary campus environment fosters collaboration across business, digital engineering, computer science, and innovation, providing a stimulating setting for doctoral research.