PhD Studentship: Understanding the sensory perception of topically applied products

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Biosciences
Location:  UK Other
Closing Date:  Saturday 24 February 2024
Reference:  SCI2216X1

Subject Area:Sensory Science

Research Description

The cosmetics industry relies on consumer’s evaluation of their products to understand if they are desirable. However, little research exists systematically exploring relationships between sensory perception of tactile properties, consumer liking, emotional response and physical rheology. The aim of this PhD research is to investigate sensorial properties of topically applied skin creams in relation to their consumer liking, consumer emotional response and rheological properties. Predictive models will be generated from resulting data to inform industry regarding the practical feasibility of various formulations. The successful candidate will gain a multidisciplinary experience, learning aspects of sensory evaluation methodologies, product formulation and characterisation, consumer methods, emotional response evaluation and predictive modelling of emotional and sensory responses to stimulus. In addition, as part of the program, the student will be expected to participate in business skills and personal development training provided by the Boots Company. A placement of a minimum of 3 months will also be provided, giving the student the opportunity to choose their own technical and/or business training from across a number of business areas including, claims, regulatory, packaging innovation and consumer insights. The project forms part of The Boots Company Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP), and is delivered as a partnership between the No7 Beauty Company, within The Boots Company PLC, and the University of Nottingham. For more information about the CTP please visit this site no7company.com/skincare-research-phd-opportunities

Keyword Search
Sensory, consumer science, emotional response, rheology, psychorheology, psychology, cosmetics, skincare, chemistry, biology, cosmetic science

Award Start Date: 01/10/2024

Duration of Award: 48 months

Terms and Conditions

TAs part of the BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) this project will provide a competitive minimum annual tax-free stipend of £21,622 (BBSRC contribution £18,622 per year + £3000 contribution from Boots PLC) and full payment of Home tuition fees (currently £4,712 per year. As stipends are exempt from tax (inc. council tax), your monthly ‘take-home pay would be similar to a yearly salary of approximately £26,000-£27,000. The successful applicant will be registered for the degree of PhD in the School of Biosciences. Applications are invited from both UK and non-UK residents. However, please be aware if you are a non-UK applicant, that the BBSRC requirements cap the number of PhDs that can be filled by non-UK residents at 20% across the No7 Beauty Company CTP programme per academic year.

Applicant Qualification Requirements

Applications are invited from suitably qualified students in science related subjects (e.g. psychology, food science, biology, chemistry, cosmetic science) with experience in sensory and consumer science and rheology desirable conditional on the attainment of at least an upper second class degree (or equivalent). An MSc (merit or above) is preferable but not essential alongside laboratory experience. In addition to the academic requirements for the project the following skills and behaviours would be highly advantageous: An interest in business practices and how research insights can be translated into consumer applications An appreciation of the benefits of stakeholder management Strong communication skills with the ability to tailor information to the needs of different audiences.

How to Apply

Application is a three stage process. 1) Please complete the initial screening questionnaire using forms.office.com/r/DHWYWb8RkL . 2) You will be notified by email if you have been invited to submit a detailed CV, including expected or actual degree class, a minimum of two references and covering letter. 3) If you are further shortlisted for interview we will contact you. Interviews will take place in January 2024. For BBSRC monitoring purpose, please also complete the anonymised demographic information using the link forms.office.com/r/LWmWe5pBCk . Communicating outcomes - due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that we will not be able to respond to everyone who completes the screening questionnaire (stage 1). We will communicate outcomes to all those progressed to stage 2.