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Vacancy for a PhD candidate on sustainability scores for food products: design and consumer experience

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position Funding Type Research Assistantship (RA)
  • Application deadlineAugust 14, 2025
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

Would you like to help consumers make more sustainable food choices? Would you like to develop a composite indicator to measure food sustainability? We are looking for an outstanding candidate who is passionate about consumer decision-making and the sustainability of the food system. 

Project

The research group on Environmental Economics and Sustainability of the Department of Economics (https://feb.kuleuven.be/research/economics) is looking for a motivated graduate student to carry out doctoral studies in the field of environmental and food economics, starting on October 1, 2025.
In the SustScore project, we focus on sustainability scores for food products that are constructed and communicated to help end consumers make more sustainable purchase decisions and stimulate the transition toward a sustainable food system. To this end, two key aspects of these sustainability scores are highlighted: firstly, which sustainability components are captured by the score and how they are aggregated – i.e., information content included in the composite indicator; and secondly, how this information is communicated to the consumer – i.e., visual representation and interactive experience. To start, an in-depth analysis of the current literature will be needed to construct a hierarchical picture of the different components of product sustainability throughout the global value chains. After focus groups and consumer experience tests, a set of candidate sustainability scores will be identified. This set will be further explored through an online survey and experiments for which a digital app (pilot version) will be developed.

Profile

You should have obtained a Master’s degree in Economics, Business Engineering, Applied Economics, Management or Bio-Engineering. Preference will be given to students who can show excellent (honors-level) results in prior studies and students who have completed a research Master. You should show a strong interest in sustainability metrics and consumer decision-making within the global food system. But most importantly, you should share our enthusiasm for scientific research.

You have a strong interest in quantitative research methods (quantitative survey methods, statistics, data analysis, …). Fluency in both spoken and written English and good reporting and presentation skills are a prerequisite. Successful candidates are required to enter the PhD program in business economics of the Faculty of Economics and Business of KU Leuven (see https://feb.kuleuven.be/research/PhD/PhD). As a PhD student, you are also expected to assist in the supervision of a limited number of Master theses within the field of environmental and sustainable economics.

Offer

The contract is initially for one year, with extension possible for another 3 years, conditional on positive annual evaluations.

You are expected to seek external funding through grant applications to regional and national funding agencies.

We provide office space at the KU Leuven campus in Brussels, IT equipment and a budget for attending conferences. The current monthly stipend is €2,670, and this amount will be adjusted for inflation according to university regulations. You will be hosted in the research group on Environmental Economics and Sustainability of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Campus Brussels of KU Leuven. This research group focuses on interactions between economics, business, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Planet, People and Profit are the central themes in its activities

Interested?

Further information on the vacancy and research project can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Sandra Rousseau ([email protected]) and Prof. Dr. Simon De Jaeger (Simon [email protected]).
To apply for the position, please prepare your cv, proof of academic credentials, a short motivation letter and at least two letters of recommendation. Applications should be made online not via e-mail!

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Bioengineering Business economics Consumer Economics Environmental Economics Food economics Management

Position Start Date

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