Doctoral Candidate in the Project “Core Practices in Physical Education, Teacher Education, and Continuing Professional Development” (100%) in St. Gallen University of Teacher Education (PHSG) – Institute for Movement, Sport and Health (IBSG-PHSG) – St. Gallen, Switzerland

Summary

The Institute for Movement, Sport and Health at the University of Teacher Education St. Gallen offers a fully funded three‑year doctoral position within the international CP4PE project, which examines core practices in physical education, teacher education and continuing professional development. The role involves developing research instruments, coordinating data collection across sites, presenting findings, publishing, and writing a dissertation, with optional teaching duties. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in sports science or a related field, possess strong quantitative research skills, and be fluent in German and proficient in English. Applications are due by 25 October 2026, and successful applicants may have the opportunity for continued employment after the project ends.

Key Facts

Department	Institute for Movement, Sport and Health (IBSG-PHSG)
Position Type	Doctoral Candidate
Discipline	Sports science
Research Area	Physical Education, Teacher Education, Continuing Professional Development
Degree Required	Master's degree in sports science (or equivalent)
Experience	Experience in empirical research on physical education and/or the teaching profession
Funding	Project funding (SNSF-DFG-WEAVE program)
Contract Duration	Three years, starting 1 February 2027
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-10-25
Required Documents	cover letter, CV, certificates
Employer Address	University of Teacher Education St. Gallen (PHSG), Notkerstrasse 27, CH-9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Matthias Baumgartner (Tel. +41 71 243 96 46); Pascal Müller (Tel. +41 58 459 22 69)

About the Project

The CP4PE project, funded by the SNSF‑DFG‑WEAVE programme, investigates key core practices that make physical education effective. It develops tools for research, teacher training, and professional development, with the St. Gallen site focusing on classroom management and feedback. The project brings together researchers from PHSG, Augsburg, Potsdam and Hamburg to coordinate data collection, instrument development, and cross‑site analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop CP‑related instruments and coordinate data collection
• Conduct rater training and cross‑site project coordination
• Present research results at conferences
• Contribute to scientific publications
• Write a dissertation within the project framework
• Possibly teach in teacher training or further education

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in sports science or related field with very good grade
• Experience in empirical research on physical education or teaching profession
• Solid knowledge of quantitative research methods
• Excellent German skills and good English skills
• Strong teamwork, independence, reliability and scientific commitment
• Teaching diploma and teaching experience as a sports teacher (desirable)

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree in sports science or a related discipline, excellent grades, solid quantitative research experience in physical education, strong German language skills, good English proficiency, and the ability to work collaboratively in an international team should apply. Teaching experience is advantageous but not mandatory.

Benefits

• Possibility of continued employment after the project’s completion

About the Employer

The Institute for Movement, Sport and Health (IBSG‑PHSG) is part of the University of Teacher Education St. Gallen (PHSG) in Switzerland, focusing on research and education in sport, movement and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 25 October 2026.

What is the duration of the position?

The position lasts three years, starting on 1 February 2027.

Which languages are required?

Excellent German skills and good English skills are required.

Who can I contact for more information?

Prof. Dr. Matthias Baumgartner (Tel. +41 71 243 96 46) or Pascal Müller (Tel. +41 58 459 22 69).

Is teaching experience mandatory?

Teaching diploma and experience are desirable but not mandatory.