Organisation/Company Universidad Católica de Valencia Department Athletic Training Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 14:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number PID2025-171526NA-I00 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description The Universidad Católica de Valencia (Spain) invites applications for a predoctoral researcher position within the T-MADE project: “Tailor-Made Training and Assessment for Inclusive and Growth-Sensitive Athletic Talent Development”.

The project explores how growth, biological maturation and relative age influence the development of young football players. Its aim is to promote more inclusive talent development and training practices adapted to individual developmental needs.

The successful candidate will undertake doctoral research focused on player development and injury prevention in youth football, working within an interdisciplinary team in collaboration with professional football academies. Activities will include applied research, data analysis, scientific publications and knowledge transfer to practitioners. The doctoral training programme will also encourage international collaboration and research mobility.

Requirements Research Field Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

University degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Physiotherapy, or a related discipline, and postgraduate qualifications providing access to doctoral studies.

Knowledge of research methods and basic data analysis.

Good organisational, communication and teamwork skills.





Sufficient command of English to read scientific literature and communicate research findings.

Specific Requirements Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to a doctoral programme by the start of the contract and must not already hold a doctoral degree.

An interest in growth, biological maturation, player development and injury prevention in youth football is expected. Relevant research or professional experience in sports science, rehabilitation or performance assessment will be considered an asset.

Candidates must be available to participate in fieldwork with collaborating football clubs and contribute to the research and training activities of the T-MADE project.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Excellent

Research Field Other Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information Eligibility criteria

Academic and/or scientific-technical track record (up to 50 points):

Scientific-technical contributions (up to 45 points): Assessment of the academic record, curricular merits and suitability for the project tasks.

Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points): Assessment of the impact of placements at national/international institutions or within the industrial sector.

Suitability for the research activities (up to 50 points): Assessment of prior training, experience and the added value of the project for the candidate’s career and that of the host team.

Additional comments Previous professional experience in sports training centres or sports clubs, particularly in roles involving injury prevention, management, rehabilitation and return-to-sport support, will be considered an asset. Experience collaborating with coaching, medical and performance staff will also be valued.

Work Location(s) Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir Country Spain State/Province Valencia City Torrente Postal Code 46900 Street Calle Ramiro de Maeztu, 14 Geofield

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📌 PhD Position in Sport Sciences — T-MADE Project (Madrid)
🏢 Universidad Catolica de Valencia
📍 Madrid