Job description

The Ghent University research group Consumer Behavior has a vacancy for a PhD candidate interested in research on sustainable consumer spillover behavior.

Job profile

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

1. The project

The research project starts from the idea that communication messages and nudging techniques in a supermarket context (e.g. placing a sustainable product on eye-level) can increase choices of sustainable products. However, these one-time choices do not always lead to subsequent sustainable choices. In this project, we investigate how, when and why behavioral interventions in a store context translate into subsequent sustainable choices (=spillover behavior). In this project, quantitative, online, lab and field studies will be set up to answer the specific research questions. This four-year project will be realized under the supervision of Prof. dr. Iris Vermeir and Prof. dr. Adriaan Spruyt.

2. Working at UGent

– We offer you a full-time position, initially offered for one year, but it could be renewed up to maximum four years upon positive evaluations.
– Envisaged starting date: 1 September 2022 at the earliest.
– A monthly wage calculated according to the terms of employment of doctoral fellows. More information about the salary scales can be found on https://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/salarisschalen. (in Dutch) .
– All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 38 days of paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits (in Dutch): https://www.ugent.be/nl/vacatures/personeelsvoordelen.htm

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

– The applicant should have a Master degree in social sciences (Business Economics, Business Engineering, Commercial Sciences, Communication Science, Science in Psychology, …) or an equivalent degree. with a strong interest in the domain of sustainable consumption. A high obtained grade is recommended. The degree requirements need to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment. Students that are in their final year can also apply.
– The applicant should have experience and/or strong interest in the domain of sustainable consumption.
– The applicant should have experience with quantitative (experimental) research and be willing to sharpen research skills.
– The applicant should be highly motivated to obtain a PhD and complete the required curriculum.
– The applicant should have excellent analytical skills and experience with statistical software packages.
– The applicant should have a scientific attitude towards excellence, work in an organized and diligent way, be creative, dynamic and precise, have problem-solving capacities and planning skills and should have a passion for academic research .
– The applicant should be able to work autonomously but can also function in a team
– The applicant should have a very good knowledge of the English language and excellent communication skills (written and spoken).

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Ranked among top 100 universities in the world, employing more than 8,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, and technical and social services on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With each of its 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering state-of-the-art study programs that are grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its employees as well as its students.

How to apply

To apply, please send the following documents to prof. Dr. Iris Vermeir (Iris.Vermeir@UGent.be) with “Application vacancy sustainable spillover behavior” in the title:
– a CV including an overview of your study results (e.g., a list of grades, diplomas, publications) and email addresses of two (academic) referees.
– a motivation letter (max. 2 pages)

We do not accept late applications or applications not delivered by email.
For more information about the project or details about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Iris Vermeir (Iris.Vermeir@UGent.be).

The closing date for applications is July 17th 2022.

The selected candidates will be invited for an interview during which they will be asked to make a short presentation (the topic and instructions will be announced after the closing date to the selected candidates).
Interviews with selected candidates will take place before July 31th 2022.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. We aanvaarden geen laattijdige sollicitaties of sollicitaties die niet via email bezorgd worden.