1 PhD Position in Responsible innovation in food technology and nutritional innovation in Netherlands | Wageningen UR

We invite applications for a PhD position with the project title: 'The dynamics behind industrial responsible innovations for healthy food: the influence of a healthy food logo on companies' innovation agenda'. This research will be carried out within the framework of a NWO-MVI project called, Motivations, drivers and barriers for responsible innovation in the Dutch food sector: the influence of a healthy food logo on the innovation agenda for healthy food, in which Wageningen University collaborates with the Dutch Choices Foundation (Stichting 'Ik kies bewust').

The project consists in: (1) the development of a specific framework for industrial responsible innovation, (2) the analysis of the innovation cycle of particular food products and product categories, based on longitudinal data of food products and their evolution, and interviews with R&D managers, (3) analysis of the dynamics behind product innovations due to tightened criteria of front-of-pack logo's, and (4) the identification of trade-offs between socio-ethical and economic interests involved in product innovations for healthy food. This multi-disciplinary research project combines innovation management, food technology and nutritional innovation, and business and innovation ethics. Various research methods will be applied, such as normative analysis, interviews and statistical analysis. To overcome gaps in knowledge and/or skills, relevant courses will be offered.

Requirements

MA/MSc in either (1) management in the life sciences, (2) innovation management, or (3) business & innovation ethics, with a proven competence and interest in business and innovation ethics. Knowledge of English is a prerequisite.

Conditions of employment

The contract starts with a PhD appointment for a period of 18 months. Continuation of the appointment with another 30 months will be based on performance evaluation. Salary will increase from € 2125 in the first year up to € 2717 in the last year based on a full-time appointment.

Organisation

OrganisationWageningen UR

OrganisationDelivering 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. Could you be one of these people? We offer you an opportunity.