Assistant Professor in Physical Activity for School Children

The Research Unit of Sport and Health Sciences (SHS), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, invites applications for a position as assistant professor in physical activity for school children to be filled as soon as possible and until 30 June 2026. The candidate will be expected to initiate and conduct research and teaching and supervise bachelor and master students.

We are looking for candidates working with themes related to fitness and health effects of sports and physical activity for school children. Part of the position focuses on recruitment of schools, testing of fitness in school children and course activities for teachers and pedagogues.

SHS aims to be recognized in Denmark and internationally as ‘the place to go’ for sport as medicine and the use of physical activity and sports in children and youth for improvements of health profile, fitness status, well-being and learning. In relation to this mission, SHS has contributed significantly to the development and implementation of evidence-based concepts like FIT FIRST 10, FIT FIRST 20, 11 for Health and Football Fitness.

The successful candidate will be part of this multidisciplinary research unit team committed to the ambitions, obligations, and values of the University of Southern Denmark and make contributions to further development. The members of SHS have developed a culture of cooperation, and the candidate will be expected to contribute to collaborative projects and exchange of ideas.

The current lines of research in SHS related to this position include but are not restricted to:

• Evaluation of cardiovascular, metabolic and/or musculoskeletal fitness effects of physical activity and sports
• Evaluation of the cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health effects of physical activity and sports, with special emphases on body composition
• Validation of field tests for physical fitness and field-based body composition measurement devices
• Evaluation of cognitive function and motor function effects of physical activity and sports
• Evaluation of modified sporting activity, with focus on an evaluation of the intensity of training, the type of training, the involvement and motivation

Tasks: • In collaboration with close colleagues, to develop a research and funding strategy in sports and physical activity in children and youth in schools and leisure-time sports clubs and lead research projects in the area
• Teaching, supervision and examination of bachelor and master students at the study programmes of the Faculty of Health Sciences, primarily the bachelor's and master's degree progammes in Sport and Health.
• To contribute to the development and delivery of courses related to the evidence-based concepts of SHS for teachers, pedagogues and sports-club trainers

The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD degree in Sport Science, Exercise Physiology or Public Health
• Research experience related to the broad area of exercise physiology and/or public health, including project management and funding
• A documented record of teaching and supervision experience relevant to the above mentioned study programmes
• Documented competences with course development and coordination
• Experience with and/or motivation for collaborating with schools and teachers

Further information:

Further information can be obtained from professor Peter Krustrup, Head of the Sport and Health Sciences Research Unit (SHS), telephone +45 2116 1530, e-mail [email protected] or from professor Jens Troelsen, Head of Department, telephone +45 6550 3493, email [email protected]

Application:

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Applications – including the required attachments – must be sent via the below-mentioned link “Apply online". Only online applications will be accepted. Attached files must be Adobe PDF or Word format. Each field in the application form can contain up to max. 10 Mb.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must contain (as pdf.- or docx.-files):

• an application
• a detailed CV
• degree certificates (inclusive of Ph.D.-diploma)
• a complete and numbered list of publications
• 3 (up to 5) scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the applicant to the most important for this position. Please notice that one pdf.- or docx.-file must be attached for each publication.
• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
• a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work.

Incomplete applications with regard to the above-mentioned requirements will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted.

Further particulars concerning the application - please see the link below.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further details:

Read the guideline for applicants