Aim of the project
The Edema-Steernberg Foundation aims to stimulate scientific research and exchange knowledge on social determinants of dietary habits. It recently funded six interdisciplinary research projects at Wageningen University which aim to answer the question 'Why we eat what we eat' for different target groups: pregnant women, adolescents, children, people living with diabetes type 2 and the general population. The Edema-Steernberg research program has a special focus on diet-related disparities, i.e. differences in dietary habits that are closely linked with economic or social disadvantages.

The postdoc is expected to draw on the emerging insights of the six different projects, conduct a literature review and a qualitative research study among nutrition professionals, so as to:

1. answer the following questions:
   • How effective are organized efforts to support healthy eating behaviour in groups with a lower socio-economic position and what factors explain their (in)efficacy?
   • What moral goals (values) are being pursued in these efforts, consciously or not, and to what extent do they match notions of 'the good life' in groups with a lower socio-economic position?
2. explore the possibilities for an integrative theoretical framework on nutrition disparities on the basis of these insights
3. help set up a research centre "Nutrition Disparity and Equity", so as to support the objectives of the Edema-Steernberg Foundation for the longer term.

• A (nearly) completed PhD in the Social Sciences (Communication, Psychology, Sociology, Health Sciences), or Philosophy with a distinct empirical component, preferably with a focus on dietary habits or choice or food more generally
• Demonstrable experience in and knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• A creative, theoretical thinker
• An excellent academic publication record
• Affinity with the professional nutritional practice
• The ability to coordinate and organize interdisciplinary efforts to set up a research centre
• Mastery of the Dutch and English language (written and oral)
• Excellent communication skills

What we offer
We offer you an 0.8 fte employment (30,4 hours a week) for 12 months, with a possible extension of another 12 months after a positive evaluation. Salary depends on training and work experience and based om a fulltime employment, ranges from € 2.640,- (starting grade scale 10) gross per month up to € 4.852,- gross per month (scale 11) according to the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten).

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University and Research Centre
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

The postdoc will be located at the Chair Group Strategic Communication (prof. dr. Hedwig te Molder), and co-supervised by the Health and Society Group (dr. Annemarie Wagemakers) and the Division of Human Nutrition and Health (prof.dr. Kees de Graaf).

The project is funded by the Edema-Steernberg Foundation. Mrs. Drs. J.M. Edema, worked at the Department of Human Nutrition of the former Wageningen Agricultural University from 1968-1987. Her teaching and research activities focused on the social aspects of nutrition. Mrs. Edema passed away on 23 December 2015. Mid 2015 she took the initiative to establish The Edema-Steernberg Foundation, named after her parents.