Postdoctoral Researcher in Exercise and Environmental Physiology

Conduct research independently within the group's thematic areas and already ongoing projects Publish scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals Coordinate multi-center, international research projects Implement creative measures for science communication Actively participate in national and international conferences Support and when possible lead acquisition of third-party funding for research projects Supervise Bachelor's and Master's theses and train study personnel If desired, support teaching activities within the department Become a part of the group's network and interact with community, patient, and city partners

In the Exercise and Environmental Physiology Lab at the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health of the University of Basel, a fixed-term postdoctoral position (3.5 years) will become available starting on September 1st 2026 or as soon as possible. This position will be under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sarah Koch and will be linked to her present and future research projects. The main research focus of our group is to understand how physical activity together with various socio-environmental exposures (e.g., air pollution, ambient heat, green- or blue spaces, gender, SES) affect health over the lifecourse. This includes gaining an understanding of how urban and rural areas can be adapted to facilitate a physically active lifestyle in a changing climate. Possible research topics within this position include, among others, the effects of air pollution, ambient heat, blue- or greenspaces on cardiorespiratory and metabolic health and during pregnancy; or how meteorological factors impact physical activity and gait assessed by wearable sensors including accelerometry. Our research group aims to integrate quantitative, qualitative, and participatory research methods and puts a focus on translating research findings in a multilayered way by collaborating with community, patient, and city partners.

• Completed PhD in sport or health sciences, physiology, (environmental) epidemiology, public health, bioinformatics, or a related field

• Evidence of thematically relevant scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals

• Motivation to take on co-leadership role and responsibility in jointly developed projects

• Experience in data acquisition related to physical activity using wearable devices or questionnaires

• Advanced expertise in data processing and analysis of data originating from various sources at differing temporal resolutions

• Advanced knowledge and experience of statistical data analysis (e.g., R, Stata)

• Experience with time-series analyses and GIS techniques a bonus, but not essential

• Knowledge in qualitative and/or participatory research methods is a plus, but not essential.

• Motivation to present research findings to scientific and lay audiences in outreach events.

• Very good knowledge of Good Clinical Practice or willingness to obtain further training

• High level of self-motivation and an independent, structured working style

• Being a team player who enjoys working in collaborative structures

• Very good command of English and ideally basic knowledge of German (equivalent to A2 level)