Postdoctoral Fellow in Sports Sciences

Ghent University

Belgium

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:

Conduct a systematic literature review on climatic stress and strain indices
Perform a Delphi study to determine key factors in climatic stress assessment
Carry out laboratory and field experiments evaluating:
- Climatic stress indices
- Individual physiological responses
- Mitigation strategies
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:

Eligibility Check
Application Screening
Online Interviews
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