PhD: Olfactory training for cognitive health

About the role

Wageningen University & Research is seeking a PhD candidate to join an NWO-Vici project investigating whether daily smell training can improve olfactory and cognitive functioning in older adults and patient groups. The project will also explore whether adding multisensory immersive Virtual Reality can strengthen these effects. The PhD candidate will work with individuals with mild cognitive impairment and combine sensory testing, cognitive assessments, behavioural measurements, and neuroimaging-related outcomes.

Loss of smell is increasingly recognised as an early marker of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. The olfactory system is closely connected to brain regions involved in memory and cognition, including the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. The olfactory bulb may play a key role in the link between olfactory functioning and cognitive health.

The position is embedded within the Sensory Science and Eating Behavior and Nutritional Biology chair groups at the Division of Human Nutrition and Health. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary, internationally recognised research environment with expertise in sensory science, human (neuro‑)physiology, and human intervention studies. Supervision will be provided by dr. Yannick Vermeiren and Associate Professor Sanne Boesveldt, with collaborations involving clinical partners. The preferred starting date is 1 November 2026.

Responsibilities

• Set up and conduct intervention studies on olfactory training, cognition, and brain plasticity.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day study activities, including participant recruitment, planning and conducting measurements, monitoring intervention adherence, managing data quality, and analysing longitudinal outcomes.
• Work with older adults and patient groups, including those with mild cognitive impairment.
• Contribute to teaching activities within the Division of Human Nutrition and Health.

Requirements

• Fluency in Dutch is a must‑have (due to interaction with Dutch‑speaking participants).
• Command of English at C1 level (an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency may be required).
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Interest in sensory science, cognitive neuroscience, and clinical research.

What we offer

• A fully funded PhD position with a gross salary ranging from €3,059 per month in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year (scale P, CAO‑NU, based on a 38‑hour working week).
• A temporary contract for 18 months, extended for the duration of the project upon satisfactory performance.
• Excellent pension scheme and other benefits under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A tailored course programme to support your development and the research team.
• An international, open working environment on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.
• Support for international employees, including visa application procedures, advice on housing, banking, dual‑career programmes, schooling, and potential tax exemption for the first five years.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Wageningen University & Research vacancy website using the apply button. Only applications submitted via the official website will be considered.

Please prepare the following documents (maximum 3 pages in total):

• A motivation letter of maximum 1 page, written in Dutch. Only letters in Dutch will be accepted and reviewed.

Important: Additional files such as grades or transcripts are not required at this stage and will not be considered. If the total document length exceeds 3 pages, the application will not be processed.

A mandatory additional information form must also be completed. Access the form via the link provided in the vacancy. Prompt submission ensures your application continues in the evaluation process. All information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application.

Application deadline: 31 August 2026.
First interviews: Preferably scheduled in the week of 21 September 2026.

Original vacancy