PhD Candidate Opportunity – FPU 2026 Fellowship – EVERYMOVE (Universidad de Alcalá, Spain)

Universidad de Alcalá; España; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

The EVERYMOVE Research Team at Universidad de Alcalá (Spain) invites prospective PhD candidates to join the project and apply for the Spanish FPU 2026 predoctoral fellowship. Selected students will develop an interdisciplinary doctoral proposal on physical activity, health inequalities, and social dimensions of access to opportunities, with academic and scientific support.

Note that this is an expression of interest; the actual doctoral contract depends on successful fellowship award, with

Qualifications

• Completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees enabling doctoral studies in Spain.
• Excellent academic record, particularly at undergraduate level.
• Strong motivation to pursue a PhD within the scope of the EVERYMOVE project.
• Interdisciplinary research ability and capacity to work in a team.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).

Skills

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's and Master's degrees

Job description

Organisation/Company Universidad de Alcalá Department Ciencias Biomedicas Research Field Medical sciences » Epidemiology Medical sciences » Health sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 3 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The EVERYMOVE Research Team of the University of Alcalá (Spain) is seeking a highly motivated prospective PhD candidate to join the EVERYMOVE research project and apply for a competitive predoctoral fellowship under the Spanish FPU 2026 Programme (Formación de Profesorado Universitario).

We offer the opportunity to develop a doctoral thesis within an interdisciplinary research environment addressing physical activity, health inequalities, social determinants of health, and the social and spatial dimensions of access to physical activity opportunities.

The selected candidate will receive academic and scientific support from the research team in preparing their FPU 2026 application.

Please note that this is an expression of interest to identify and support a prospective FPU applicant, not an offer of an already-funded position. The doctoral contract will depend on the successful award of the fellowship.

Research environment and potential PhD topics

EVERYMOVE investigates inequalities in physical activity, exploring how individual, social, cultural, and environmental factors shape opportunities for physical activity and participation in different settings.

The project brings together interdisciplinary perspectives from sport sciences, epidemiology, public health, sociology, geography, and related disciplines.

Potential doctoral research topics include:

• Physical activity and health inequalities: socioeconomic, gender, age-related and other social inequalities in physical activity participation.
• Sociology of sport and physical activity: social practices, cultural norms, identities, inclusion and exclusion in physical activity settings.
• Social and spatial accessibility: geographical distribution, availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability of physical activity opportunities.
• Public health and epidemiology: social determinants of physical activity, population-based research and inequalities in access to health-promoting environments.
• Sport and public policies: assessment of public interventions, sport provision and policies aimed at reducing physical activity inequalities.
• Qualitative and mixed-methods research: exploring lived experiences, social barriers and mechanisms shaping physical activity participation.

The doctoral research topic is not predefined. The selected candidate will develop their own PhD research proposal in collaboration with the supervisory team, according to their academic background and interests and within the scientific scope of EVERYMOVE.

What we offer

• Integration into the interdisciplinary EVERYMOVE research team at the University of Alcalá.
• Scientific supervision and support in developing a doctoral research proposal.
• Financial support for the dissemination of scientific findings and for attending national and international conferences and training courses.
• An extensive network of international contacts with leading research teams in the field.
• Access to the research environment, activities and opportunities associated with the EVERYMOVE project, subject to the project's scope and applicable arrangements.
• Opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and involvement in scientific publications and research activities.
• Institutional and scientific support in preparing a competitive FPU 2026 fellowship application.

If awarded, the FPU fellowship will provide a funded predoctoral employment contract under the conditions established by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI).

Candidate profile

We welcome applications from candidates with academic backgrounds in:

• Sport and Exercise Sciences / Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
• Epidemiology and Public Health.
• Sociology and related Social Sciences.
• Other closely related disciplines, provided that their interests and methodological skills align with the project.

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a university degree and a completed Master's qualification providing access to doctoral studies in Spain.
• Meet the applicable eligibility requirements of the FPU 2026 call.
• Have an excellent academic record, particularly at undergraduate level, as academic performance is a major criterion in the FPU selection process.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in research on physical activity, health inequalities and/or the social dimensions of sport.
• Be motivated to develop an original doctoral thesis within an interdisciplinary research team.

Previous experience in quantitative research, qualitative methodologies, epidemiology, social research, spatial analysis or related methods will be considered an asset, but no specific methodological background is mandatory.

Requirements

Research Field All Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Required qualifications and skills

• A completed Bachelor's and Master's degree providing access to doctoral studies in Spain, preferably in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sociology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related disciplines.
• An excellent academic record, particularly at undergraduate level, given the significant weight of academic performance in the FPU evaluation process.
• Strong motivation to pursue a PhD within the scope of the EVERYMOVE project, focusing on physical activity, social inequalities, and their social, cultural, or environmental determinants.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements established in the official FPU 2026 call.

Specific Requirements

Desirable qualifications and skills

• Previous experience in quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research.
• Familiarity with epidemiological methods, statistical analysis, qualitative research techniques, or spatial analysis.
• Previous involvement in research projects, scientific publications, or academic conferences.
• Ability to develop independent research ideas and contribute to scientific publications.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Good

Additional Information

Selection process

Further information on the FPU 2026 call:

Equal opportunities. The University of Alcalá is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcome from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability or other personal characteristics, subject to the eligibility requirements of the FPU 2026 programme.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Alcalá Country Spain State/Province Madrid City Alcalá de Henares Postal Code 28805 Street Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. Campus universitario. Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km. 33,600 Geofield