PhD Studentship: Understanding the Sensory Perception of Topically Applied Products

Location: UK Other

UoN Supervisor names Dr. Rebecca Ford, Dr. Qian Yang

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 www.no7company.com/skincare-research-phd-opportunities.

Award start date: October 2023

Duration of award: 4 years

Terms and conditions:

As part of the BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) this project will provide a minimum stipend of £21,622 (BBSRC contribution £18,622 per annum + £3000 contribution from Boots PLC) and full payment of Home tuition fees (currently £4,712 per annum). The successful applicant will be registered for the degree of PhD in the School of Biosciences. Applications are invited from UK residents only.

Applicant Qualification Requirements:  

Applications are invited from suitably qualified students in science related subjects, 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

Informal enquiries may be addressed to qian.yang@nottingham.ac.uk. Applications are invited to submit the initial screening questionnaire using forms.office.com/r/DHWYWb8RkL. Once you have been shortlisted, we will contact you to request a detailed CV, including expected or actual degree class, and minimum of two references, and invite you for the interview. For BBSRC monitoring purpose, please also complete the anonymised demographic information using the link forms.office.com/r/LWmWe5pBCk.

Open until filled, please submit your application ASAP

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