PhD in Child Eating Behaviour at Wageningen, Netherlands

About the Position

The Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour group at Wageningen is recruiting a PhD researcher to study how food properties influence children’s eating behaviour and energy intake. The position is based within Human Nutrition and Health.

Research Position Overview

Design and conduct experimental studies with children, apply digital approaches to measuring eating behaviour and analyse behavioural and nutritional data. The project combines sensory science, human research and quantitative analysis.

Research Areas

• Child nutrition
• Eating behaviour
• Sensory science
• Energy intake

Funding and Duration

Employment and financial support

Component	Details
Position	PhD researcher
Salary	€3,204–€4,051 gross per month for a 38-hour working week, increasing with doctoral year.
Duration	Four years, full-time (38 hours per week): initial 18-month contract, extended subject to satisfactory progress.
Programme / host support	Salaried doctoral employment in the host research group identified in the official vacancy.
Benefits	8.3% year-end bonus and pension arrangements; other benefits follow the university employment conditions.

Eligibility and Requirements

Academic preparation and appointment conditions

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Dutch is required for the research setting; English proficiency is also necessary.
Academic preparation	MSc in Nutrition and Health, Sensory Science, Food Technology, Psychology or a related field.
Research skills	Preparation for experimental human studies, statistical analysis and working with children.
Language	Good Dutch and C1-level English are required.

Application dates

Recruitment dates and location

Component	Details
Recruitment status	Open when verified against the official source
Deadline	30 November 2026
Start date	Not specified in the vacancy.
Location	Wageningen, Netherlands

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 30 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

• CV: maximum two pages.
• Motivation letter: maximum one page; combined application maximum three pages.
• Complete the supplementary application form in the official advert.

Submit through the application system linked from the official vacancy. Follow its current document and translation instructions.

Selection and Contact

Interviews are scheduled for 2 December 2026; the application deadline is 30 November inclusive.

Research contact: Guido Camps or Sjanneke Hulshof; supervisory team includes Ciarán Forde.

About Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research works across food, agriculture, environment and society. The vacancy identifies the specific chair group and supervisory team responsible for this project.

Official Link

Official vacancy reviewed on 15 October 2026. The employer’s current notice governs application requirements and employment terms.

Read the official vacancy and application instructions

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps

English language requirements

No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is requested for this employed Dutch position; English is assessed through the application documents and an interview in English.