Award Start Date: 01/10/2022
Duration of Award: 48 months
Closing date: Wednesday, 31st August 2022
Research title: Understanding the sensory perception of topically applied products
Supervisor: Dr. Qian Yang
Secondary Supervisor: Dr. Rebecca Ford
Subject Area: Sensory science
The cosmetics industry relies on consumer’s evaluation of their products to understand if they are desirable. However, understanding consumer perceptions of cosmetic products is complex, including measuring psychophysical reactions, such as, emotional response. Furthermore, little research exists systematically exploring relationships between sensory perception of haptic/tactile properties of cosmetic products and physical rheology (psychorheology).
Therefore, the aim of this PhD research is to investigate sensorial properties of topically applied skin creams in relation to their consumer liking, 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 stimuli. As data will be collected from human subjects, a desire to work with people is a key requirement. 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.
Terms and Conditions
This studentship is a BBSRC Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) with The Boots Company PLC and the University of Nottingham. This will provide a stipend (£16,062 per annum) and full payment of Home/EU tuition fees (currently £4,596 per annum). 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 30% per academic year.
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: A curiosity to expand your knowledge of 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
Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP, as application will be close once the place is fulfilled. Informal enquiries may be addressed to qian.yang@nottingham.ac.uk.
Please submit a covering letter detailing why you want to conduct this PhD and your suitability, a detailed CV, including expected or actual degree class, and minimum of two references. Applications should be made via email to Dr Qian Yang, qian.yang@nottingham.ac.uk.