In the multidisciplinary project ‘Accelerating the Transition to Plant-Based Proteins’, funded by the NWO Transition and Behavior programme, we examine the opportunities for making the transition to plant-based proteins, i.e. plant-based alternatives for meat and dairy products. Together with Researchers from Innovation Science at Utrecht University, Consumer Behavior at Wageningen University, Industrial Design at TU Delft, and a number of private partners, the Psychology team at Utrecht University aims to understand how we can better understand the role of consumer behavior in this transition. The PhD project ‘Consumer Behavior Change’ will be conducted at the Department of Social Health and Organizational Psychology, Utrecht University. The focus of the project will be on the motives and barriers for the adoption of meat and dairy alternatives, identify drives for inaction, and develop and test choice architecture to facilitate acting upon intentions to achieve long-lasting behavior change. Both experimental and field designs will be employed in addressing these questions.

• Completed research or academic Master's in Psychology, preferably Social or Health Psychology;
• Knowledge and experience in the area of behavioral decision making is an advantage;
• Experience with scientific research;
• Strong affinity with multidisciplinary research;
• Excellent collaborative skills;
• Fluent in Dutch (both spoken and written);
• Academic writing skills.

We offer a position (1.0 FTE) for one year. In case of good performance, the employment will be extended with another three years. The gross salary ranges between €2,325 in the first year and €2,972 in the fourth year (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave, the choice for a good balance between work and private, and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht city has been consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the Netherlands.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in Cultural Anthropology, Educational Sciences, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Pedagogical Sciences, Psychology and Sociology. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences plays a significant role in Utrecht University’s strategic themes 'Institutions for open Societies' and 'Dynamics of Youth'.

More than 5,600 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has about 850 faculty and staff members, all contributing individually to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues.