Consumer Characterisation of Future Foods and the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) approach
3.5 Year Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in New Zealand starting in 2025
They are inviting applicants, including overseas candidates subject to visa requirements, for an exciting fully funded 3.5 year PhD scholarship in Consumer & Sensory Science based at the Food Experience and Sensory Testing (Feast) Lab at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
The Riddet Institute scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of NZ$35,000 per annum and covers all tuition fees and research costs. The successful applicant will be supervised by Riddet Institute Principal Investigators Professors Joanne Hort (Feast) and Sara Jaeger (Aarhus University, Denmark, in association with Plant and Food Research, NZ).
The PhD research is part of a programme of work investigating Consumer Engagement with Future Foods and will be focused on characterising the sensory and emotional response of consumers to future foods, whilst evaluating the effectiveness of methods used to collect consumer data. Key elements will include using eye tracking technology to understand how consumers approach CATA questionnaires alongside the effect of situational appropriateness, culture and product familiarity.
Candidates must have a minimum of an Honours degree with First or Second Class Honours (Division 1) in Food Science, Psychology, or any related discipline. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are essential. A relevant Masters is also favourable as is previous experience working with human subjects, and competence in statistics and data analysis. Previous experience with eye tracking and immersive technologies would be an advantage but is not essential.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Professor Joanne Hort (j.hort@massey.ac.nz) who will be happy to discuss the research opportunity with you further before applying.
To be considered for interview please send your application to Jen Larking j.larking1@massey.ac.nz including a covering letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate; your CV; and copies of your academic transcripts.
Closing date for applications is 15 December 2024. Interviews will be held in early 2025 with a start date soon thereafter.