Vacature Assistant professor Sports and Motor Development

Assistant professor Sports and Motor Development in Groningen

Education: WO
Hours per week: 28 - 36
Salary: € 4.987 - € 6.825
Closing date: November 18

Department of Human Movement Sciences, UMCG

Education
The Department offers the bachelor’s program Human Movement Sciences, a 1-year master 'Sport- en Bewegingswetenschappen' (starting in September 2027) and Minor programs in Sport Sciences and Public Health. The department is also involved in a 2-year Interdisciplinary research master in Health Dynamics. Approximately 800 students, along with over 35 PhD students, comprise a stimulating academic, clinical, and social environment. Our programs are ranked the best in their field and students rate the learning facilities highly (National Student Survey 2024).

Staff and students
The department consists of dedicated scientific staff and educational support, as well as a trained 'Technical Support' team for the HMS lab facilities. All scientific staff serve as both lecturer and researcher, dedicating 50% of their time to teaching, 40% to research, and 10% to management. Education and research are closely linked, ensuring up-to-date teaching. Our students are educated as 'active learners' to foster commitment and responsibility.

Research
Research and education are organized along three 'Field of Application' sections: Sports, Clinical Movement Sciences, and Active Lifestyle & Healthy Aging. The successful applicant will join the Sports section. Research is carried out in labs and clinical settings of the UMCG and community environments. Department research falls within the SMART Movements program of the Health in Context research institute. The research output is of high international standard, with strong societal impact.

Assistant Professor Sports and Motor Development

The position focuses on understanding how motor skills and movement patterns develop in childhood and throughout life. Research bridges fundamental insights into motor development and learning with applications in everyday movement, exercise, training, and (elite) sports.

Teaching duties will include courses and lectures in methodology, mathematics, statistics, motor development, and/or the minor Sport Sciences, as well as supervising bachelor and master students in graduation projects, reviews, and academic assignments. UMCG is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer and values diversity of talents.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in human movement sciences, sports, exercise sciences, sport psychology, or comparable scientific domains.
• Research expertise in one or more relevant scientific domains with a specific focus on motor development.
• At least two years post-doc experience.
• Strong statistical, computational, and analytical skills.
• Teaching qualification and/or experience in teaching sport and human movement sciences, including supervision of bachelor and master students and teaching at the bachelor and/or master level.
• Appropriate research record demonstrated by:

Original research papers in peer-reviewed journals,
Other research output including methods, algorithms, and social contributions,
Post-doctoral experience in (international) academic environments outside where the PhD was obtained.

• Ability to collaborate with external stakeholders (e.g. sports organizations, health institutions, policymakers, industry partners) to translate research into practice in interventions, training, policy, and advisory roles.
• Preferably, experience with acquiring external research funding.
• Team player with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Fluency in Dutch, both written and spoken, or willingness to achieve this within one year from appointment.

Conditions of Employment

The position (0.8 - 1.0 fte) is permanent, with expected starting date at the latest February 1st, 2027. Salary, based on full-time appointment, is up to €6.825 gross per month (UD2, scale 11) depending on qualifications and experience. Additional benefits include 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Employment conditions comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

How to Apply
You can apply until 18 November 2026.

• A letter of motivation.
• A curriculum vitae including outputs of research, teaching, and societal impact.
• A complete list of publications, including the 5 "best papers", preferably with copies.
• A 2-page research statement describing research accomplishments and future research goals.
• A 1-page teaching statement.
• A list of three references with contact information (including email addresses).