Doctoral student in Educational Work, specialising in Sports Science

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Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 17,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is accepting applications for a doctoral studentship leading to a PhD in Educational Work at the Department of Educational Studies. The doctoral project will specialise in sports science. The doctoral programme in Educational Work is one of the largest doctoral programmes at Karlstad University, with more than 40 active doctoral students. Sports science is an interdisciplinary subject and addresses issues about physical activity and sports from various scientific perspectives. As a doctoral student, you will also be affiliated with the National Research Centre for Youth Sports (NCYS). You will be part of a dynamic research environment with expertise in educational work and sports science.

The doctoral studentship is connected to the project “EASY” (Exploring Alternative movements mY StYle), which examines how alternative movement activities can contribute to increased physical activity and well-being among inactive children through an intervention. The project has strong societal relevance and is conducted in close collaboration with schools and after-school activity providers.
More information about the project (in Swedish): EASY - Exploring Alternative movements my StYle

The research plan should be designed in relation to the relevant research project and will form the basis of the assessment of eligible candidates.

As a doctoral student, you will primarily dedicate time to your own studies. The doctoral programme comprises 240 credits for a Degree of Doctor and 120 credits for a Degree of Licentiate. The doctoral appointment is a paid position that offers a combination of studies and work, and a great opportunity for a potential career in academia.

Doctoral students are expected to work independently and be prepared to contribute to the activities and development of the discipline and the department. The main duties will include:

• taking a leading role in the planning and implementation of the intervention study EASY, aimed at physically inactive children and their parents
• responsibility for recruiting participants
• working closely with various stakeholders and collaboration partners, such as schools, the municipality and non‑profit organisations, in implementing the intervention
• conducting data collection using qualitative and quantitative methods
• analysing data with support from the project team and supervisors

The role within the intervention project requires being on site at various locations in Karlstad municipality to coordinate and lead the implementation of the intervention, as well as to carry out data collection associated with the evaluation of the intervention.

To be eligible for a doctoral studentship, applicants must meet the general and specific entry requirements (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 35). To meet the general entry requirements, applicants must have been awarded a second-cycle qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 39).

To meet the specific entry requirements for a doctoral studentship in Educational Work, the applicant must hold a teaching degree, or in some other way have acquired equivalent knowledge, in the country or abroad.

Special weight will be given to:

• Master’s degree (60 or 120 credits) in Sports Science or equivalent subject area (for example, health education/health promotion), or a teaching degree with a specialisation in Sports Science or equivalent subject area.
• the quality and relevance of the research plan in relation to the EASY project
• personal qualities such as the ability to work independently, take initiative and show strong collaboration skills
• proficiency in Swedish and English

Considerable weight will be given to:

• experience of leading and empirically evaluating projects within the field of sports or health sciences
• personal experience of leadership roles in sports and health-related activities, particularly activities aimed at children in primary school
• the quality of independent written work completed as part of previous studies

Valuable qualifications:

• research experience, such as conducting studies and writing academic texts – particularly peer-reviewed publications in English – within health-promoting activities for children and/or youth sports
• expertise in quantitative methods and intervention research

Upon admission to doctoral studies, the person will be offered the appointment of doctoral student (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 5, Sect. 3). The position comprises four years of full-time studies consisting of research only. Teaching and administrative duties may also be included upon agreement, but will not constitute more than 20% of full-time. The position is fixed-term, one year initially, followed by possible extensions of a maximum of two years at a time.

Start date: 1 September 2026

The salary for the doctoral studentship corresponds to the standard level of salary for doctoral students and progresses in accordance with a local collective agreement.

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments.

• a cover letter where the applicant details the reasons behind their interest in the position
• a list of qualifications (CV)
• degree certificate with a complete transcript of the courses included, or a certified list of completed courses with grades and dates
• copy of master’s thesis or equivalent
• where applicable, copies of publications or certificates for other qualifications
• a brief research plan (1,000–2,500 words)
• any letters of recommendation
• two references, such as a teacher, supervisor, or previous or current superior

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links) and make sure they have clear titles. Documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to the following address:

Karlstads universitet
HR-administratör
651 88 KARLSTAD

Application deadline: April 7, 2026

State ref. no REK2026/55

If you have qualifications from a university outside Sweden or if they have not been recognised by a Swedish authority before, it is important that you attach degree certificates and official transcripts to facilitate the recognition of foreign qualifications. Provide a contact for the degree-awarding institution (phone number or email) who can verify your qualifications.

We look forward to your application!

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