This PhD position is part of a joint research project with Wageningen University and it is sponsored by the TKI Agri & Food (AF18060) in collaboration with leading Dutch retailers. The grant involves two PhD positions, one behavioural position at Wageningen University (info: hans.vantrijp@wur.nl) and one econometric position at the University of Groningen, the combination of which yields unique opportunities to benefit from each other’s knowledge, expertise, and generated insights. It also offers opportunities to combine controlled experimental lab studies with ecologically valid field studies that yield unique purchase data from leading retailers.

For the position in Groningen, we are looking for a candidate with an econometric or other quantitative background and interests in marketing. The project entails the analysis of shopping-basket level purchase data to assess the effectiveness of transparency interventions increasing the healthiness and sustainability of grocery products bought by consumers.

From both a societal and individual perspective, the call to facilitate healthy and sustainable food choices while shopping for groceries is growing. Although information for making healthy and sustainable purchases is available at the point of purchase, the information generally does not meet all criteria for transparency – disclosure, clarity, and accuracy, making it complex and complicated for consumers to make informed healthy and sustainable choices. The objective of this research project is to build and test the effectiveness of a decision-support system—a system of scientifically substantiated and validated algorithms and decision rules—in support of consumers interested to make healthy and sustainable choices when shopping for groceries.

The project will be embedded in SOM’s research programme in Marketing (https://www.rug.nl/research/marketing/).

We are looking for applicants with a Master of Science degree. In particular, we encourage quantitative-oriented students with a background in statistics, econometrics, data science or marketing intelligence to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a gross monthly starting salary of € 2,325 which increases yearly to a maximum of € 2,972 in the fourth year. Based on the gross salary you will receive an additional 8% holiday allowance each year in May, and an additional 8.3 % end of year bonus in December. The full-time appointment is temporary for a period of four years, under the condition of a positive assessment at the end of the first year.

An assessment may be part of the procedure, consisting of psychological tests and an interview.

Starting date: 1 September 2019.

For more general information, please send an email to: somvacancies@rug.nl

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 3 March 23:59h / before 4 March 2019 European Central Time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application package consists of the following separate documents:
1. Your cv
2. A motivation letter (1 A4 max) and a short study proposal for the PhD project (2 A4 max)
3. A scan of your diploma including transcripts
4. Proof of English proficiency
5. Other relevant documents.

The documents 1-4 are compulsory and please note that incomplete application packages will not be taken into account.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Economics and Business

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Belonging to the best research universities of Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Faculty of Economics and Business
The Faculty of Economics and Business offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

SOM, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business has available a PhD position in the field of Modelling the effect of transparency interventions on in-store decision-making.