Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d) (50%) – BEETHOVEN Project

The Junior Professorship of Food Sociology (Jun.-Prof. Dr. Tina Bartelmeß) at the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health at the University of Bayreuth (Campus Kulmbach, Bavaria) is currently seeking a

We are looking for a motivated doctoral researcher to join the EU-funded BEETHOVEN research project (“Linking Brain, Environment and Ecosystems Through Holistic Omics and Validated Evidence-based Nutrition guidelines”). The position is a project-funded doctoral position embedded in the interdisciplinary and international BEETHOVEN consortium and is available for 3.5 years starting ideally 1 November 2026.

The candidate will take a leading role within Work Package 6 (WP6), which is led by the Junior Professorship of Food Sociology. WP6 investigates how socio-economic, geographic, cultural and psychological factors shape dietary behavior, food-related inequalities and mental health, with the aim of contributing to more inclusive and context-sensitive dietary recommendations. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree within a large European research consortium.

Your tasks include:

• Taking a leading role in the implementation of WP6 and contributing to the coordination of WP6 activities as well as ensuring effective collaboration between participating research institutions
• Developing and implementing quantitative survey instruments and harmonizing measures across participating countries
• Taking a leading role in the implementation and scientific evaluation of a Citizen Science study investigating dietary practices, lifestyle, well-being, perceptions and food- and nutrition-related information
• Conducting advanced quantitative statistical analyses of cross-national survey and Citizen Science data
• Integrating findings from different WP6 activities and collaborating with other WPs
• Contributing to project meetings, deliverables, reports and dissemination activities
• Presenting research findings at national and international scientific conferences
• Preparing scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals
• Pursuing a doctoral degree within the thematic framework of the BEETHOVEN project

Your profile:

• An excellent master’s degree in sociology, public health, nutrition sciences, psychology, social sciences or another discipline relevant to the research topic
• A strong interest in food and nutrition, social inequalities, public health and/or mental health
• Very good knowledge of quantitative social science research methods, particularly survey research and statistical data analysis
• Experience with statistical software such as R, Stata or SPSS
• Interest in conducting cross-national and interdisciplinary research
• Strong organisational skills and an interest in taking responsibility for the coordination and implementation of research activities within an international project
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary and international research consortium
• Fluency in both German and English, written and spoken, is required
• Experience with survey research, longitudinal data, Citizen Science, digital research methods or the analysis of social inequalities is an asset

We offer:

The Junior Professorship of Food Sociology at the University of Bayreuth’s Campus Kulmbach provides an innovative, international and highly interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection of food sociology, public health nutrition and food systems research.

As part of the BEETHOVEN project, you will work closely with researchers from several European countries and disciplines. The position combines independent doctoral research with an active role in the scientific implementation and coordination of WP6, providing excellent opportunities to develop expertise in cross-national research, quantitative methods, Citizen Science and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Remuneration:

The payment for this position is according to the pay grade TV-L E 13 for 3.5 years. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified. The University of Bayreuth aims to increase the proportion of women in science and particularly invites respective applicants.

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Network "Familie in der Hochschule e.V.” and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Please submit your application (motivation letter, one-page research proposal about a potential PhD topic within BEETHOVEN, CV, transcripts) via the University of Bayreuth application portal using the key word “BEETHOVEN”. All documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

 Application Deadline: 30^th September 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Jun.-Prof. Tina Bartelmeß (tina.bartelmess@uni-bayreuth.de).