PhD Fellow in Sports Sociology / Policy

Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in sports sociology/policy commencing 1 November 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS) engages in research, education, innovation and knowledge dissemination within the areas of nutrition, human physiology and sports at the highest international level, covering disciplines related to the health sciences, humanities and social sciences. https://nexs.ku.dk/english/about/

The scholarship will be connected to the Copenhagen Centre for Team Sport and Health, funded by the Nordea Foundation, https://holdspil.ku.dk/ and will be part of the Section Sport, Individual and Society.

Project description

Since 2012, the Centre for Team Sport and Health has been researching the sociological, physiological and psychological health benefits of team sports. From 2016, the research has been concentrated around the implementation of customized and adapted team games in practice in the municipal context. Since the municipal reform entered Danish politics in 2007, the municipalities have been responsible for addressing the health of the Danish population. This responsibility has led, among other things, to many short-term projects and efforts in the area of social, physical and mental health. One of many ways to address municipal health issues has been by involving civil society voluntary associations in partnerships in order to solve the challenge of creating lasting changes in the health of Danes through physical activity and sport within the framework of the local associations. There is a lack of knowledge about how to create and ensure sustainable bridge building from municipal institutions to voluntary sports associations and how to implement this bridge building in the best possible way.

The project examines current bridge building models by using qualitative methods, including field work and interviewing in Danish. With knowledge of current practices, the PhD student will develop new approaches to bridge building which can be implemented in the Centre for Team Sports and Health projects on Healthy Lifestyle and an Active Senior Life.

The project places itself at the intersection of sports sociology and sports politics with a focus on implementation and civil society theory. The project will provide new insights into how best to facilitate cooperation between institutions and organizations and how to build sustainable bridges with sports associations. Furthermore, the project will clarify opportunities to create lasting anchoring of sectoral transitions and collaborations.

The PhD fellow will develop the project in cooperation with section manager and vice head of CHS Laila Ottesen as responsible supervisor for the project.

The PhD programme includes a research stay at a leading international university.

The research environment

The PhD fellow will work in cooperation with CHS project groups Healthy Lifestyle and Active Senior Life, both led by Jens Bangsbo and Laila Ottesen. In addition to collaboration with the Centre for Team Sports and Health Advisory and Implementation Group.
The PhD student will be associated with both CHS and the research section Sport, Individual and Society. This involves regular participation in research meetings and cooperation in the organization of various activities.

Principal supervisor is Associate professor Laila Ottesen, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, E-mail: lottesen@nexs.ku.dk. 

Job description

The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project
• Attend PhD courses
• Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
• Teach and disseminate your research
• To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
• Work for the Department

Formal requirements

Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Humanistic-Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health or similar with good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience. 

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 331,125 (approx. €43,750) including annual supplement (+ pension at a minimum DKK 53,811). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible 

Application Procedure

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
• Acceptance Letter for the relevant MSc Programme at SCIENCE, if any
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)
• 1-3 reference letters (if any)

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20 September 2020, 23:59 GMT+2.  

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions

For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor Associate professor Laila Ottesen, E-mail: lottesen@nexs.ku.dk

General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

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