PhD Candidate in Child Eating Behaviour
Investigate how food properties and digital tools influence children's eating behaviour and energy intake.
Best for:Best for master's graduates in nutrition, psychology, or sensory science with an interest in experimental research involving children.
Overview
Wageningen University & Research invites applications for a fully funded PhD candidate position focusing on child eating behaviour within the Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour chair group. The successful candidate will examine how food properties shape children's dietary patterns and energy intake by combining nutrition, sensory science, and innovative digital tracking tools. Responsibilities include conducting experiments with children, performing statistical analyses, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, and translating evidence into practical recommendations. Candidates are expected to hold a relevant master's degree and demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.
What you'll do
- Identify and critically review existing literature regarding factors influencing children's dietary patterns and eating behaviours.
- Design and execute experimental studies examining the role of food properties in moderating children's energy intake and eating behaviour.
- Utilize innovative digital tools to monitor and track children's eating behaviours during experiments.
- Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical techniques and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.
- Translate research evidence into actionable recommendations to improve the Dutch food environment for children.
- Assist in supervising Master of Science students' thesis projects related to child eating behaviour.
Requirements
Degree required: MSc degree in Nutrition and Health, Sensory Science, Food Technology, Psychology, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 level proficiency required; Dutch language skills are an advantage
Instruction: English
Publications: Publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals is expected as part of the PhD trajectory
- Demonstrated affinity with or practical experience in conducting experimental studies on human eating behaviour
- Prior experience with or strong motivation for conducting research involving children
- Proficiency in applying statistical techniques and analyzing research data
- Strong organizational and independent problem-solving capabilities
- Must hold a successfully completed relevant MSc degree prior to appointment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Submit your application including a CV and cover letter through the university's online application portal by the specified deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- MSc transcripts
Contact
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