Doctoral student in sport science on climate change & sustainability strategies of sport federations

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

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Presentation

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, SUPER, as a PhD Fellow.

The successful candidate will be registered as a fee free PhD student at the Université de Lausanne (UNIL) and enrolled in the SUPER Doctoral Network, with secondment opportunities in industry and other European academic institutions. SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience) is offering 17 pioneering fellowship opportunities at the intersection of sustainability and sports science.

Sports and physical activity are an essential part of the fabric of our lives, but also impact the planet through transport, infrastructure, equipment and energy use in ways that are widely unknown. At the same time, sports and physical activity will be affected by the impacts of climate change and must adapt to continue promoting health and resilience. SUPER will reshape physical activity and sports practices, equipment and infrastructure to ensure equitable access for all, regardless of where they live, their socioeconomic status or background. It will reduce sport’s environmental impact through sustainable practices and mitigate the negative health effects of climate change by fostering resilience and wellbeing, especially among vulnerable populations. Through SUPER, sports and physical activity will become a platform to raise awareness of planetary health, helping to inspire broader engagement in sustainability. SUPER will confront the need for equity and climate justice head-on, creating a transformative and mission-driven science to guide the future of sport for future generations. A new wave of scientists and leaders will emerge, equipped with transdisciplinary expertise that bridges physical activity, sports, public and planetary health, circular economy and sustainability.

Job information

Start date : 01.10.2026

Contract length : 3 years

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : UNIL Campus Lausanne-Dorigny and partner universities

Salary will be calculated on a case-by-case basis; however, here is the salary scale for doctoral students at UNIL for reference purposes : annual gross salary : CHF 55’000 + monthly allowance.

Your responsibilities

The Doctoral Candidate in the project “ Climate change and sustainability strategies of major sports federations: Existing policies, drivers, and potential improvement strategies ” will play a central role in the network and will:

• Map the climate change strategies of major sport federations against agreed-upon sustainability standards


• Investigate the driving factors behind climate policies of major sport federations


• Support one sport federation in elaborating or improving its sustainability strategy

The Doctoral Candidate will be expected to:

• Report on findings by publishing scientific articles; resulting in a PhD dissertation


• Present findings at (inter)national meetings/conferences


• Contribute to the wider work of the SUPER project


• Contribute to educational activities of the department and within the consortium.

See job description

Your qualifications

In order to complete our team, we are looking for someone with the following skills : 

• Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, sport science, social sciences, administrative science, environmental sciences, or another relevant discipline


• Strong interest in scientific research on the topics of climate change and sport organizations


• High motivation to complete a doctoral dissertation as part of the SUPER Programme


• Excellent qualitative methods skills


• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

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Contact for further information

For more information on the selection process, please visit the project website at www.thisissuper.eu

For further information on the advertised position, please contact Professor Peter Gelius, Institut des sciences du sport de l’University of Lausanne 

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Your application

The deadline for applications is 19 April 2026.

We anticipate that video interviews will be held for all candidates between 11 and 26  May 2026.

Please send us your complete application in PDF format, containing the following documents:

• Cover letter


• CV


• Copies of university diplomas and degrees, with transcripts (indicating marks/grades)


• A copy of your M.A. thesis (if not available, another research work realized during your M.A. studies)


• A maximum of two letters of recommendation


• Non-native speakers of English: Certificate of proficiency in English

Please also note the following information will apply to all SUPER doctoral awards:

• The doctoral candidate does not yet hold a doctoral degree at the start of their assignment.


• The doctoral candidate must comply with the mobility rule, i.e. has not resided or carried out their main activity (e.g. work, studies) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.


• The doctoral candidate is recruited for a maximum of 36 months. 

Only applications submitted via this website will be considered. Thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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