PhD Position in Core Practices in Physical Education, University of Augsburg, Germany

Summary

The Chair of Sports Pedagogy at the Institute of Sports Science, University of Augsburg, invites applications for a doctoral position (75% FTE, TV-L E13) for an initial duration of three years. The position is integrated into the joint DFG/SNF research project 'Core4PE' (Core Practices in Physical Education, Teacher Education, and Continuing Professional Development), carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Hamburg and Potsdam as well as the St. Gallen University of Teacher Education. The research focus at the Augsburg site lies on inclusion and democracy education. Applicants must hold a university degree (Master's, State Examination, or equivalent) in Educational Science, Sports Science, or a related field, possess sound knowledge in quantitative methods, and demonstrate strong German and English communication skills. Applications must be submitted via email by October 28, 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Augsburg
Department	Institut für Sportwissenschaft / Sportzentrum, Lehrstuhl für Sportpädagogik
Position Type	Doctoral Researcher / PhD Position
Discipline	Sports Science / Educational Science
Research Area	Sports Pedagogy, Inclusion, Democracy Education
Degree Required	Master's degree, State Examination, University Diploma, or equivalent in Educational Science, Sports Science, or a related discipline
Experience	Experience in empirical research on physical education and/or professional research is desired.
Salary	Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L (75% of full-time standard working hours)
Funding	DFG/SNF project 'Core4PE'
Contract Duration	3 years (initially)
Language	Very good German skills and good English skills
Deadline	2026-10-28
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Certificates / Diplomas, Short project sketch (maximum 300 words) in English outlining a potential doctoral project within the Core4PE project
Employer Contact	[email protected], Prof. Dr. Stefan Meier ([email protected])
Employer Address	Bavaria

About the Project

The doctoral position is embedded in the DFG/SNF-funded project 'Core4PE' (Core Practices in Physical Education, Teacher Education, and Continuing Professional Development). Conducted in collaboration with institutions in Hamburg, Potsdam, and St. Gallen, the Augsburg research focus centers on inclusion and democracy education within physical education.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborating on the research project Core4PE
• Presenting research results at academic conferences
• Contributing to scientific publications
• Pursuing academic qualification (doctorate) within the framework of the project
• Participating in academic self-administration at the chair, organizing events, and contributing to public relations

Required Skills

• Completed university degree (Master, State Examination, Diploma, or equivalent) in Educational Science, Sports Science, or a related discipline
• Interest in sports pedagogy research and working in research teams
• Sound knowledge of quantitative research methods
• Very good German and good English language skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a team

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a Master's degree, University Diploma, State Examination, or equivalent in Educational Science, Sports Science, or a related discipline who have strong quantitative research skills and an interest in sports pedagogy research should apply. Fluency in German and proficiency in English are required.

Benefits

• Opportunity to complete a doctorate in sports pedagogy
• Close supervision and a well-equipped working environment
• Family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours and home office option
• Pay according to scale E13 TV-L (75%)

About the Employer

The University of Augsburg is a modern campus university in Germany that emphasizes equal opportunities, family-friendly work arrangements, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is October 28, 2026.

What educational degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a completed university degree such as a Master's, State Examination, or University Diploma in Educational Science, Sports Science, or a related discipline.

What language skills are required?

Very good German language skills and good English language skills are required.

What documents must be submitted with the application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, certificates/diplomas, and a short English project sketch of up to 300 words outlining a potential doctoral project.

How should the application be submitted?

Applications should be sent by email as a single PDF file to [email protected].