Are you passionate about understanding why consumers fall for misleading marketing claims, and about contributing to a more sustainable, healthy and animal-friendly society? Then this PhD position may be something for you!
In this PhD project, you will investigate washing— a deceptive marketing technique used by organizations to mislead consumers by claiming to take more responsibility for issues like the environment, consumers’ health, and animal welfare than they actually take. These washing practices successfully deceive consumers at the cost of health and sustainability.
You will delve into the psychological factors that impair consumers' ability to detect such deceptive claims. The project will develop and test a Washing Detection Model to better understand when and why consumers are vulnerable to washing. In the second phase of the project, you will design and evaluate a model-based intervention aimed at empowering consumers to recognize and resist washing tactics. This means not just understanding the problem, but actively contributing to the solution.
This PhD project is part of a larger research initiative focused on detecting washing practices. You will be working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that values collaboration, curiosity, and impact-driven research. If you’re passionate about psychology, marketing ethics, and driving positive change, this PhD position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting contribution.
Information and application
Are you interested in joining our team? Please submit your application before 5 October, 2025 and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
- A Curriculum Vitae, a list of publications and references, also in your CV please explicitly mention your nationality;
- A course list with grades (both BSc and MSc).
Additional information can be acquired via email from Dr. Marielle Stel (m.stel@utwente.nl).
About the department
Your PhD position is in the section of Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety at the UT – which offers a cooperative, stimulating and international environment. Our section’s focus is on the increased prevalence of societal and ecological developments and events that threaten citizens’ and professionals’ experience of psychological, physical and/or societal safety and which challenges their resilience. We take an interdisciplinary approach to understand and develop (technology-based) interventions to counter such threats, combining (social) psychological perspectives with those from others such as communication sciences, public administration, criminology and law. We have a longstanding collaboration with societal and academic organisations vested in conflict management (e.g. mediation in judicial cases, Perspectief Herstelbemiddeling) and physical and social safety (e.g. Dutch Police (Academy), Centre for Security and Digitalization in Apeldoorn, VU-UT alliance for creating safe and secure societies). Various resources and infrastructures at the UT will enable excellent opportunities for research and education, in particular the BMS resilience research group, and the BMSLab.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
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