Wageningen University & Research is offering a fully funded PhD position in the project “Perfectly Imperfect: Stimulating consumer acceptance of imperfect products for a sustainable future.” The position focuses on understanding consumers’ psychological responses to product imperfections and developing innovative strategies to promote sustainable behaviors.

Eligible applicants must hold a completed MSc degree with a background in consumer behavior, such as consumer science, marketing, decision-making, social psychology, or behavioral economics. They should have strong interest in sustainable marketing, emotions, and behavioral change, with experience in at least one research method such as surveys, experiments, or modeling.

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a world-leading institution in life sciences, dedicated to exploring the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Located in the Netherlands, WUR combines cutting-edge research and education in areas such as food, agriculture, environment, and sustainability.

Application Deadline: 21 September 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Wageningen University & Research

• Department: Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Group

• Course Level: PhD

• Award: Fully funded PhD position (salary + benefits)

• Access Mode: Online application

• Number of Awards: One

• Nationality: Open to international and domestic applicants

• The award can be taken in: the Netherlands

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible to apply.

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Marketing and Consumer Behaviour with a focus on sustainable consumption and product imperfection.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a completed MSc degree.

  • Background in consumer behavior (consumer science, marketing, decision-making, social psychology, behavioral economics). Other backgrounds will not be considered.

  • Strong interest in (sustainable) marketing, consumer behavior, emotions, and behavioral change.

  • Experience in at least one of the following: quantitative research methods (survey, lab/field experiments, modeling) or agent-based modeling.

  • Interest in conducting qualitative research (e.g., interviews).

  • Demonstrated scientific ambition and ability to publish.

  • Strong teamwork skills, independence, and systematic research approach.

  • Excellent English skills (C1 level); Dutch fluency is highly desirable for fieldwork.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents via the official Wageningen University vacancy portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (up-to-date)

• Motivation letter
  (maximum combined length of 3 pages; applications exceeding this will not be considered.)

Benefits

• A fully funded PhD position with a gross salary starting at €3,059 per month (first year) rising to €3,881 (fourth year).

• Temporary contract of 18 months, extendable to 4 years upon good performance.

• Additional benefits:

  • Partially paid parental leave

  • Flexible working hours and work-life balance support

  • Sports facilities on campus (small fee)

  • Year-end bonus of 8.3%

  • Excellent pension scheme

• Access to Wageningen University Graduate School (WASS) for research training and career development.

• International support for visa, relocation, housing, and partner job search.

• Opportunity to work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.

Apply Now