Join the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience), as a PhD Fellow at Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. This position is based in the Department of Sport Science and Sport in Erlangen, Germany, and offers a unique opportunity to radically rethink how physical activity is promoted and practiced in the context of climate change and planetary health.

The research project focuses on the ethics of integrating planetary health into national and international physical activity recommendations and guidelines. Key questions include balancing individual health benefits (such as walking in nature) with environmental harm (such as driving to nature parks), advising people on physical activity with consideration for planetary health, and exploring whether sports with large negative environmental impacts should de-grow. The doctoral candidate will build theory and reflect on these ethical dilemmas, aiming to develop draft guidelines that incorporate planetary health considerations.

As a PhD Fellow, you will report findings through scientific publications and a dissertation, present at national and international conferences, contribute to the broader SUPER project, and participate in educational activities within the department and consortium. The position requires regular on-site presence, with remote work limited to one day per week. Secondment opportunities in industry and other European academic institutions are available, enhancing your research and professional development.

Applicants must have or be finalising a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (social sciences, philosophy or ethics, environmental sciences, public health, or sport sciences). Essential skills include transformative or action research, co-production/design methodologies, and grassroots activism for social and climate justice. Excellent English proficiency is required. MSCA eligibility rules apply: candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment. Desirable qualities include open-mindedness, self-awareness, collaboration, critical thinking, teamwork, and strong communication skills.

The MSCA programme offers competitive funding: a living allowance of €4010/month (subject to country correction coefficient), mobility allowance of €710/month, and family allowance of €660/month (if applicable), with all amounts subject to tax and contributions. Tuition fees are fully waived. The appointment is for three years, and the research project is expected to result in a PhD thesis.

The selection process is open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable, following the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. It includes eligibility checks, screening, online interviews, and notification of outcomes. For more information, contact Dr Karim Abu-Omar.

To apply, send your motivational letter (1-2 pages), BA/MA transcripts, and CV (as PDFs in one file) to [email protected], clearly stating the position you are applying for. Please do not use AI tools to write your motivational letter. Complete the diversity form linked in the project description if applying for multiple SUPER positions. The application deadline is Sunday, 19th April 2026. Information sessions will be held on Monday, 23rd March 2026, with sign-up details provided in the project description.

This fellowship is part of a pioneering network at the intersection of sustainability and sports science, offering 17 positions across Europe. The SUPER project is funded by Horizon Europe and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. For further details, visit the project page.