Impact of refined carbohydrate consumption on decision-making in young adults’
Offer Description
The contemporary nutritional transition is characterised by an increase in the consumption of refined carbohydrates and ultra‑processed foods, in contrast to historical diets (Eaton & Konner, 1985; Cordain et al., 2005). Whilst its metabolic effects are well documented, its impact on decision‑making processes remains largely unexplored.
However, economic, social and motivational decisions — such as risk attitude, time preferences, cooperation or persistence — strongly influence trajectories of health, education and well‑being (Camerer & Fehr, 2006; Falk et al., 2018). Understanding the influence of nutritional factors is therefore a major challenge.
Among young adults, a key period for the development of long‑term preferences, the links between diet, physiological state, emotions and decisions remain understudied, particularly in relation to gender and socio‑economic context.
Main mission:
The main mission will be to analyse how the consumption of refined carbohydrates influences decision‑making processes in young adults, using an experimental approach combining behavioural economics, nutrition, and psychology.
Main objective: To analyse the extent to which the consumption of refined carbohydrates influences decision‑making processes among healthy young adults.
Secondary objectives
- To distinguish the immediate and chronic effects of refined carbohydrate consumption on: (i) risk attitudes, (ii) time preferences, (iii) social preferences, (iv) motivation and persistence in effort.
- To examine the moderating role of: (i) sex, (ii) socio‑economic status, (iii) emotional states (stress, anxiety).
- To identify decision‑making profiles that may inform targeted public health interventions.
Activities
- design and implement a controlled experimental protocol investigating the impact of dietary conditions differing in glycaemic load.
- conduct incentivised behavioural experiments measuring different dimensions of decision making (risk attitudes, time preferences, social preferences, motivation, and persistence in effort).
- collect and analyse behavioural and psychometric data, as well as information on dietary habits and emotional states.
- examine the moderating role of individual variables such as sex, socio‑economic status, and emotional states (stress, anxiety).
- perform statistical analyses adapted to the data (e.g., mixed models or mediation analyses).
- disseminate results through scientific publications and conference presentations.
Gross monthly salary is €2,300
Contract duration: 3 years
Contract date from 01/10/2026 to 30/09/2029
Where to apply
E‑mail
Requirements
Research Field Biological sciences “Biology” Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Psychological sciences “Cognitive science” Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Psychological sciences “Behavioural sciences” Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Economics “Applied economics” Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Biological sciences “Nutritional sciences” Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
The candidate should demonstrate:
- interest in the interactions between diet, cognition, and decision‑making behaviour
- strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills
- familiarity with experimental methods in behavioural sciences or experimental economics
- organisational skills, autonomy, and scientific rigour
- ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
- proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., R or Python).
Diploma/field required Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following fields: evolutionary biology, cognitive science, behavioural or experimental economics, nutrition, life sciences.
Additional Information
Selection process
The application must include the following
- A CV
- A letter of motivation
- A copy of the diploma required for enrollment or, if unavailable, the most recent transcripts from Master 2 (semester 1 and/or semester 2)