PhD Position – Forecasting Climate Change Effects on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children and Adolescents (MSCA Doctoral Network SUPER) Universidad Europea de Madrid in Spain

This PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network SUPER, hosted at Universidad Europea de Madrid, focusing on 'Forecasting Climate Change Effects on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children and Adolescents.' The SUPER network is a pioneering initiative at the intersection of sustainability, sports science, and public health, offering 17 fellowships across Europe. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, transdisciplinary consortium dedicated to reshaping physical activity and sports practices for equity, resilience, and planetary health.

The research project aims to compile and integrate cardiorespiratory fitness data from across Europe with climate and socioeconomic variables, develop predictive models to forecast the impacts of climate change on youth fitness, and quantify the mitigating role of physical activity. The candidate will build robust datasets, validate forecasting models, and generate actionable insights for policy and practice. The project is highly collaborative, with opportunities for secondments in industry and other academic institutions within the network.

Funding is provided by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under Horizon Europe, with a full tuition waiver, a competitive monthly living allowance (€3,833.56 for Spain), mobility allowance (€710/month), and family allowance (€660/month if applicable). The position is full-time for three years, with attractive working conditions and support for professional development.

Eligibility requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields (biological sciences, computer science, environmental science, geography, mathematics, medical sciences), strong skills in data integration, statistical modeling, machine learning, climate and environmental science, exercise science, public health, and interdisciplinary research. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have resided or carried out main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the three years prior to recruitment). Excellent English and basic Spanish are required. Familiarity with ethical guidelines and data protection (e.g., GDPR) is essential.

The doctoral candidate will be expected to publish scientific articles, present at international conferences, contribute to the SUPER project, and participate in educational activities. The research will culminate in a PhD thesis. For more information, visit the project website or contact the PI. Information sessions will be held on March 23, 2026, to provide further details and answer questions.

Apply online via the application portal. Prepare your documents and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to mission-driven science at the interface of climate change, health, and sports, and to develop expertise in a highly relevant and impactful field.