Are you interested in sensory and consumer science? Are you motivated to have an impact on policy making and regulation of tobacco and related products? We are looking for an excellent and motivated PhD candidate to join Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and RIVM to work on sensory properties of tobacco and related products related to attractiveness and consumer behavior, to discourage tobacco use in the Netherlands and worldwide.
What will you be doing
While cigarettes are still the most often used tobacco product globally, new tobacco and related products (TRPs) gain popularity. An important factor in their appeal is their marketing as having less severe risks than cigarettes. Thus, they are perceived as a healthier alternative to – or quitting aid for – combustible cigarette use. However, as they are harmful to health, their use should be discouraged, at least in non-smoking and other vulnerable user groups. Often, flavourings are added to TRPs to increase the products’ attractiveness. Together, RIVM and WUR are working to support forward looking policy measures to discourage TRP use worldwide.
Your tasks will focus on assessing features that enhancethe attractiveness and addictiveness of heated tobacco products and their non-tobacco variant made of tea leaves or other non-tobacco plant materials. While tobacco heatsticks have been on the market for several years, non-tobacco heat sticks with added nicotine have appeared only recently, and hardly anything is known on this product. Your work will include perceptual, behavioral studies to examine sensory properties and additives of TRPs, but also quantitative and qualitative consumer studies on knowledge, attitudes and risk perceptions of these products. You will also carry out database and analytical-chemical studies on appeal-increasing additives in these products. Based on your results, you will provide the Dutch Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization with the evidence-base for public communication and regulation of these products.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
- Design and execute analytical, sensory, behavioral and consumer studies
- Analyze data and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Collaborate with universities and other partners worldwide as needed
- Supervise students and take part in educational duties
- Develop yourself to an independent researcher
Unique for this position
You will work on two different locations, and have the opportunity to profit from expertise at both RIVM and WUR. You work will be multidisciplinary, and you will cooperate with many team members. You will forward worldwide policy making and contribute to healthier future generations.
Your working environment
You will be positioned at theCentre for Health Protection | RIVM, Department for Chemical analysis, Tobacco and Drugs. You will work in close collaboration with the Sensory science and Eating behavior chairgroup of the Division of Human Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University ((Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour Group - WUR).
At the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), more than 3000 colleagues work together every day on good care, a healthy lifestyle, safe products and a safe and healthy living environment. The Center for Health Protection studies the health effects and risks for humans of chemical and biological agents. You will work in particular with the Chemical Analysis, Tobacco and Drugs (CTD) department. We support the policies of various ministries and regulators in the field of tobacco products and drugs and conduct general analytical chemical research. About 30 RIVM colleagues conduct laboratory and desk research here to properly assess the quality and risks of the use of certain products and substances. There is an informal atmosphere in this department and there is a lot of collaboration on projects. Everyone's expertise and individuality is respected. We are used to working across departmental boundaries.
The mission of WUR is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialized research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With approximately 30 locations, 6,500 employees, and 12,000 students, it is one of the leading organizations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen. We have been named Best Employer in Education category 2019-2020. You will enrol in a graduate school (Home - Vlag Graduate School) that provides you with a research and education program of academic excellence. Clickherefor more information about working at Wageningen University & Research. More information about Wageningen Campus you can findhere.
Are you interested?
Please send your CV and a letter of motivation in which you briefly address your suitability for this function as well as your development opportunities. Please apply via the application button and direct your letter of motivation to Peter Keizers, head of the Chemical Analysis of Tobacco and Drugs department.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact[email protected]or[email protected]The first round interviews will take place on March 20, the second round will take place on March 27.