PhD position - Where there is change, there is resistance: Understanding the relationship between resistance to change and social norms in meat reduction over-time

Job description

Are you interested in driving the future of health and sustainability? Are you an ambitious researcher who is interested in being part of an interdisciplinary team to study how we can reduce meat consumption in a society where eating meat is the social norm? Do you have a social science background and a keen interest in carrying out innovative, societally relevant research?

We are confronted with various global challenges, including climate change and obesity, threatening human and planetary health. Scientific consensus is growing that the protein transition is part of the solution: The substitution of animal proteins with plant-based proteins. This transition contributes to improving planetary health and public health. A successful protein transition requires behavioral changes among many people, which starts with a committed minority of people initiating change, until a tipping point is reached after which the majority of the population adopts the new behavior. Little is known on what accelerates the further spreading of the new behavior from the minority towards the majority. Therefore, this PhD project will focus on the temporal dynamic of resistance to change.

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research project, which explores the relationship between meat reduction and social norms. The project will examine how individuals vary in their experience of resistance and perception of social norms related to reducing meat consumption. Additionally, it will focus on how this resistance changes over time and how personalized strategies, such as microtargeted messaging, can help decrease resistance and strengthen social norms in favor of reducing meat consumption.

The PhD researcher will build on multiple (quantitative and qualitative) methods, combining among others segmentation studies, longitudinal natural research and experimental research to understand the cause and course of resistance in relation to social norms, in order to use these insights to examine how acceptance of meat reduction can be boosted.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• carry out innovative, societally relevant research on meat consumption and social norms;
• participate in relevant conferences, be an active member of research groups;
• disseminate research among relevant societal groups and stakeholders;
• assist in teaching and management tasks (max 20% of your contract).

You will work here
Because of the interdisciplinary character of the project, the PhD will be jointly embedded within the Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles Group and the Strategic Communication Group. You will be co-supervised by Sanne Raghoebar, assistant professor in Societal Transitions and Behavior Change , and Annelien Van Remoortere, assistant professor in political communication. You will have access to a vibrant interdisciplinary research community and opportunities for professional development through workshops, conferences, and collaborations.

Requirements

This project draws on different disciplines from social sciences, including psychology, communication science, and sociology. The PhD candidate is not expected to be an expert in all disciplines upfront but should possess broad curiosity, ability to navigate multiple fields, and enthusiasm about cross-disciplinary learning and development. There is, moreover, ample opportunity and freedom to further shape this project, which requires creativity and taking initiative.

You have:

• A MSc degree in the behavioural or social sciences, preferably a research master in Psychology, Communication Science, Behavioural Science, or a related science; Candidates currently finalizing their Master’s are also eligible to apply;
• Background in quantitative methods for behavioral research (e.g., behavioral experiments, Ecological Momentary Assessment) and solid statistical skills (e.g., R), and willingness to learn new methods and interdisciplinary approaches;
• Affinity with scientific research on social norms and psychological resistance to change, and the domains of health and sustainability;
• Excellent communication and analytical skills, an open and inquisitive personality, and the capacity to work independently;
• Proficiency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is an advantage.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Conditions of employment

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 2.872 - per month rising to € 3690,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Employer

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Sanne Raghoebar, sanne.raghoebar@wur.nl or Annelien Van Remoortere, annelien.vanremoortere@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter, recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the project. (max 2 pages).
• A CV, including relevant research experiences. The CV should include contact details for two relevant references (max 4 pages).

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 16 December 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in January.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.