This postdoctoral research lies at the intersection of environmental psychology, consumer behaviour and design, examining pro-environmental behaviour across different welfare groups in society.
Job description
The research group of Responsible Marketing and Consumer Behaviour at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) is looking for a postdoc researcher with a background in behavioural science, psychology or marketing to study sustainable behavioural change across welfare groups in society. This research stems from the observation that most behaviour change models look at the average consumer, and often at low income populations. Little is known on how pro-environmental decisions are made across welfare groups, including high-income and affluent individuals. This is important as a one-size-fits all approach to sustainable consumption interventions and policies may not be effective, underscoring the need for differentiated strategies. More research is therefore needed on the psychological and social factors underlying decisions and behaviour of individuals across different welfare groups. This postdoc research will contribute to this understanding through quantitative research methods by collecting data through experiments and surveys. Findings from this work will also inform the development of design guidelines and intervention strategies aimed at promoting sustainable consumption tailored to different welfare groups
The research group Responsible Marketing and Consumer Research focusses on theories and models from marketing and consumer research that can contribute to successful new product development (NPD). The group has experience in teaching and conducting high quality research on sustainable consumer behaviour, de-consumption and in the design and testing of interventions for sustainable behavioural change. By enhancing knowledge in these areas, we aim to help designers create more successful and sustainable product and service.
Job requirements
We are looking for a candidate who meets all of the following key criteria:
- a PhD degree in behavioural science, marketing, psychology or in a related field, with a strong interest in the field of sustainable behaviour.
- a PhD title already obtained or with a very imminent PhD defence date (in this case, the PhD work needs to be concluded).
- at least one scientific paper publication in a journal relevant to consumer behaviour, marketing or sustainable consumption (conference papers excluded).
- excellent research skills, in terms of analytical, conceptual and critical thinking.
- excellent methodological skills in quantitative research methods in both experiments and surveys, including very good knowledge and practice with analysis tools such as SPSS or R.
- excellent command of English in reading, scientific writing and speaking.
- ready to start between March and June 2026
In addition, we prefer candidates with the following criteria, which are considered a plus:
- a PhD degree completed in an European University, preferably in The Netherlands
- a candidate already located in Europe, preferably in The Netherlands, with familiarity with the European or Dutch context in terms of housing, living and working environment.
- prior research experience in the field of sustainable consumer behaviour
- prior teaching experience (e.g., lecturing, student supervision)
- with an understanding of the Dutch language
This position is for 2 years full time or 2+ for a part-time contract of 4 days a week. It may be extended in the future, depending on the opportunities within the faculty. The starting date is planned between March and June 2026.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary
- A job of 32-40 hours per week.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Giulia Granato (g.granato@tudelft.nl). For information about the application procedure, please contact Hanneke Sosef-de Haan, E: h.sosef-dehaan@tudelft.nl
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 January 2026 via the application button.
All aplications must be submitted in the form of three PDF files:
1) a curriculum vitae including the topic of your PhD and the defence date. If applicable, please emphasize how you meet the key and preferred criteria above.
2) a motivation letter of not more than 1 page, elaborating on how your prior PhD research experiences make you a suitable candidate for this position and your motivation for the topic
3) a reference letter by your PhD supervisor or promoter.
You can address your application to Dr Giulia Granato.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
