Postdoctoral in Stakeholder and Consumer Research

Aarhus University; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Stakeholder and Consumer Research within the Food Quality Perception and Society (FQS) science team. The project portfolio covers sustainable packaging, food labelling and circularity, with a central aim to translate consumer insights into research and development of packaging and labeling solutions that promote sustainable consumption.

The successful candidate will conduct qualitative and mixed-method stakeholder and consumer

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with focus on consumer science or related discipline.
• Experience conducting consumer and/or stakeholder research.
• Experience with qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, co-creation).
• Strong statistical skills and data interpretation.
• Excellent scientific writing and international collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate stakeholder and consumer research with qualitative/mixed methods.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping, interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
• Translate insights into packaging and labeling innovations.
• Engage industry, policymakers and consumers throughout projects.
• Design consumer engagement and communication actions.
• Collaborate with experts to integrate insights into product specs and regulation.
• Lead and contribute to publications, deliverables and dissemination.
• Identify new research questions and funding opportunities.

Skills

Qualitative research

Interdisciplinary collaboration

English proficiency

Education

PhD degree or equivalent in consumer science, social sciences, psychology, behavioural science, sociology, anthropology, marketing/ business, food science -with a focus on consumer science, culture or systems-, science communication or a related discipline

Job description

Postdoctoral Position in Stakeholder and Consumer Research

Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Stakeholder and Consumer Research within the Food Quality Perception and Society (FQS) science team. The position is embedded in a portfolio of European research and innovation projects addressing sustainable packaging, food labelling and circularity. A central focus will be to understand consumer and stakeholder needs and translate these insights into research and development of packaging and food labelling solutions that promote sustainable consumption and production, strengthen circularity, and inform communication strategies to enhance consumer awareness, engagement and adoption. The postdoc will work across several EU-funded projects, including among others BIOWRAP (funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking, CBE JU), Environmental Food Label (funded by EIT Food), and CIRC4FOOD (funded by Horizon Europe).

Research and responsibilities

The postdoc will conduct and coordinate stakeholder and consumer research, with particular emphasis on qualitative and mixed-method approaches, including:

• stakeholder mapping, interviews, focus groups, workshops and co-creation;


• consumer research on perceptions, needs, barriers, motivations and adoption;


• translating research insights into product, packaging and labelling innovation;


• engaging industry, consumers, policymakers and other stakeholders throughout the research and innovation process;


• designing and implementing consumer engagement and communication actions to raise awareness, encourage participation, share research findings and promote the uptake of sustainable solutions;


• developing accessible, targeted and audience-appropriate communication materials and activities, including consumer-facing content, dissemination events and interactive engagement formats;


• collaborating with technical, regulatory and interdisciplinary experts to integrate consumer and stakeholder insights with product specifications, user needs, and relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, supporting the development of sustainable and feasible solutions.


• leading and contributing to scientific publications, project deliverables and research communication; and


• identifying new research questions, collaborations and opportunities for future EU and national funding.

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• a PhD degree or equivalent in consumer science, social sciences, psychology, behavioural science, sociology, anthropology, marketing/ business, food science -with a focus on consumer science, culture or systems-, science communication or a related discipline;


• documented experience in consumer and/or stakeholder research;


• experience designing and conducting qualitative research, such as interviews, focus groups, workshops or co-creation;


• strong statistical skills and experience in data analysis and interpretation of various methods;


• strong analytical and scientific writing skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications;


• experience working independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary and international research teams;


• excellent written and spoken English; and


• strong organisational and communication skills.

Experience with mixed-method research, sustainable consumption, product or packaging innovation, environmental labelling, food research, public engagement, open science, EU-funded projects or external funding development will be considered an advantage.

Profile and opportunities

We are looking for an independent, collaborative and creative researcher able to work across disciplines and engage effectively with consumers, industry, researchers and societal stakeholders.

The position offers an opportunity to develop a research profile at the intersection of consumer and stakeholder science, sustainable solution design, innovation and societal impact, while contributing to high-profile European research projects and developing new research collaborations and funding opportunities.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2–year position from 1 January 2027, or as soon possible thereafter.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.