Postdoctoral Fellow in Sports Sciences

Ghent University

Department: GE30 – Department of Movement and Sports Sciences
Institution: Ghent University
Occupancy Rate: 100%
Vacancy Type: Research Staff
Application Deadline: 19 April 2026, 23:59 (12 PM via email submission)

About Ghent University

Ghent University is one of Belgium’s leading universities, employing over 15,000 staff members across 11 faculties and more than 85 departments. The university is internationally recognized for research-driven education, innovation, and societal engagement, offering a dynamic and inclusive academic environment.

Project Overview – SUPER (Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network)

This PhD position is embedded within the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience).

SUPER offers 17 interdisciplinary doctoral fellowships at the intersection of:

• Sustainability
• Sports and physical activity
• Public and planetary health
• Climate resilience
• Circular economy

The network aims to:

• Reduce sport’s environmental impact
• Promote equitable access to physical activity
• Address climate justice and planetary health
• Develop climate-resilient sport and health systems

Doctoral candidates benefit from:

• Fee-free PhD registration
• International secondments (industry & academia)
• Transdisciplinary training
• Participation in a Europe-wide research network

PhD Project Focus

Project Title:
Physiological and perceived impact of climate change exposure on physical activity and health

The doctoral candidate will:

1. Conduct a systematic literature review on climatic stress and strain indices
2. Perform a Delphi study to determine key factors in climatic stress assessment
3. Carry out laboratory and field experiments evaluating:
   • Climatic stress indices
   • Individual physiological responses
   • Mitigation strategies
4. Develop a climate tolerance framework

Responsibilities

• Conduct research leading to a PhD dissertation
• Publish scientific articles
• Present findings at (inter)national conferences
• Contribute to SUPER network activities
• Support educational activities within the department and consortium

Profile & Requirements

Required Degree

Master’s degree in:

• Movement Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Physiology
• Physical Activity
• Rehabilitation Sciences
• Or related field

Candidate Profile

• Strong interest in planetary health and sustainability
• Team-oriented mindset
• Excellent academic record

Eligibility Conditions (MSCA Rules)

• Must not hold a doctoral degree
• Must not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment
• Excellent English proficiency
• Dutch language skills (minimum B1 level) required for data collection with older adult participants

What We Offer

• Full-time doctoral fellowship (initial 12 months, extendable up to 48 months after positive evaluation)
• Start date: Earliest 1 September 2026
• Salary: 100% net salary equivalent to an AAP member (tax-free doctoral grant)
• 36 days annual leave (full-time) + fixed bridge days
• Bicycle allowance & eco vouchers
• Extensive training and development opportunities
• International mobility and networking via SUPER

Selection Procedure

In line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers:

1. Eligibility Check
2. Application Screening
3. Online Interviews
4. Final Notification

Application Procedure

Send your application to:
Jan.Bourgois@ugent.be

Deadline:

19 April 2026 (12 PM). Late applications will not be accepted.

Required Documents

• Research Statement (max. 3 pages), including:
  • Motivation for PhD
  • Suitability of background
  • Research challenges & proposed theoretical/methodological approach
• CV and certificates
• Bachelor’s & Master’s transcripts and diplomas
• Two referees (name & contact details)
• Copies of publications (if applicable)
• Proof of English proficiency

Information Sessions

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

• 10:00 AM UK time
• 6:00 PM UK time

Both sessions are identical; attend only one.

Equal Opportunities

Ghent University maintains a strong commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.