Postdoctoral Fellow in Sports Sciences

Ghent University

Last application date: 19 April 2026 (23:59)
Department: GE30 – Department of Movement and Sports Sciences
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research staff
Degree required: Master’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences
Start date: From 1 September 2026 (earliest)
Duration: Up to 4 years (12 months renewable)

Host Institution

Ghent University

About Ghent University

Ghent University is one of Belgium’s largest and most research-intensive universities, employing more than 15,000 staff members across 11 faculties and over 85 departments. It offers a vibrant, international research environment with strong societal engagement and excellent career development opportunities.

Research Project & Network

This PhD position is part of the SUPER Doctoral Network (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience), funded under Horizon Europe MSCA.

SUPER offers 17 innovative doctoral fellowships at the intersection of:

  • sustainability and climate change,

  • sports and physical activity,

  • equity, resilience, and planetary health.

Sports and physical activity are deeply embedded in society, yet they significantly impact the planet through transport, infrastructure, equipment, and energy use—often in unseen ways. At the same time, climate change threatens the capacity of sport and physical activity to promote health and wellbeing. SUPER addresses these challenges head-on, reshaping sports systems to reduce environmental impact, enhance resilience, and ensure equitable access for all populations.

PhD Topic

The Role of Sports Leaders and Organisations as Climate Advocates

The doctoral fellow will play a central role within the SUPER network and focus on how sports leaders and organisations can act as credible and effective climate advocates.

Key research tasks include:

  1. Assessing public receptiveness across Europe to climate-related messages from sports leaders and organisations.

  2. Studying how healthcare professionals and organisations become climate advocates, including analysis of communication strategies and organisational practices (e.g. Medical Consortium on Climate and Health).

  3. Conducting focus groups with sports leaders and organisations to explore willingness to engage in climate advocacy and integrate sustainability into practice.

  4. Performing in-depth case studies of early adopters to identify best practices and enabling conditions.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The doctoral fellow will:

  • Conduct original research leading to a PhD dissertation and peer-reviewed scientific publications;

  • Present research findings at national and international conferences;

  • Actively contribute to the wider SUPER network, including training activities and secondments in industry or partner institutions;

  • Contribute to educational activities within the Department of Movement and Sports Sciences and across the consortium.

The successful candidate will be registered as a fee-free PhD student at Ghent University and fully enrolled in the SUPER Doctoral Network.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have:

  • a Master’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences (e.g. movement sciences, (social) psychology, communication sciences, business, sport or sport management sciences, or similar);

  • strong interest in sustainability, planetary health, and climate justice;

  • ability to work collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research team.

Eligibility Conditions (MSCA rules)

  • Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

  • Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment.

  • Excellent command of English is required.

  • Dutch language skills (minimum B1) are required to communicate with and collect data from older adult participants.

What We Offer

  • Full-time appointment as a doctoral fellow: initial 12 months, renewable after positive evaluation up to a maximum of 48 months.

  • Fellowship amount equal to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equivalent family circumstances (tax exempt).

  • Competitive benefits package, including:

    • 36 days of annual leave (full-time),

    • extensive training and education opportunities,

    • bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

  • Secondment opportunities in industry and European academic institutions through the SUPER network.

How to Apply

Send your complete application to:
???? Annick.Willem@ugent.be

Deadline: 19 April 2026 (12:00 PM)

Your application must include:

Research Statement (max. 3 pages), including:

  • motivation for undertaking a PhD;

  • explanation of how your background fits the position;

  • your view on key research challenges and proposed theoretical and methodological approaches.

Additional documents:

  • CV and certificates;

  • transcripts and diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s; if unfinished, include expected submission date);

  • contact details of two referees;

  • copies of publications or relevant research outputs (if applicable);

  • proof of excellent English proficiency.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Information Sessions

Two identical online information sessions will be held on Monday, 23 March 2026:

  • 10:00 UK time

  • 18:00 UK time

(Participants should attend only one session.)

Equality & Diversity

Ghent University maintains a strong equal opportunities and diversity policy and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact:
Prof. Annick Willem
Ghent University
???? Annick.Willem@ugent.be

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