Postdoctoral Position in Behavioral Psychology, Nutrition, and Sustainability (Plant-Rich Diets) University of Copenhagen in Denmark

The University of Copenhagen is offering a 20-month postdoctoral position in the GreenFamily project, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on promoting plant-rich eating habits among Danish families. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Psychology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, and Department of Food Science, funded by Plantefonden. The research aims to support families with children in transitioning to more plant-rich diets, examining the impact on nutritional status, health, and eating patterns for both children and adults.

The postdoc will work closely with Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Adéla Plechatá and Professor Annemarie Olsen, contributing to the behavioral psychology component of the project. Responsibilities include conducting a systematic literature review on interventions for plant-rich eating, designing and pilot testing behavioral interventions, and participating in a randomized crossover trial with 40 families. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to generate actionable insights for public health campaigns and practical tools for families.

Key research areas include behavior change, sustainability, nutrition science, food science, and environmental psychology. The project will develop evidence-based recommendations and materials to help families adopt healthier, more sustainable eating habits. The postdoc will also engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific writing, and dissemination of findings to practitioners and policymakers.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Psychology, Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field by the start date. Essential qualifications include expertise in behavior change, experience with experimental or quasi-experimental research, strong methodological and quantitative skills, proficiency in English scientific writing, and a collaborative mindset. Danish language skills at B2 level are preferred for working with local families. Experience with RCTs, longitudinal data, family or child research, consumer science, and interdisciplinary projects is advantageous.

The position offers a starting salary of DKK 29,600 per month plus an 18.7% pension contribution, with potential for annual salary supplements. The employment is full-time for 20 months, with possible extension if part-time. The application deadline is March 11, 2026, and the expected start date is May 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted online with a motivated application, CV, publication list, and relevant diplomas.

This opportunity is ideal for researchers passionate about the intersection of behavioral psychology, sustainability, and public health, seeking to make a real-world impact on family nutrition and sustainable behavior change in Denmark.