Posted 21 August, 2026
Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Activity and Motivation
Dublin City University
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Full Time
Reference: 17681505
Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Activity and Motivation
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following position #003467 Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Activity and Motivation, up to 24 Month Fixed Term Contract
Role Profile
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Researcher position on the HRB Investigator-Led Project 'Understanding and Enhancing Adolescent Physical Activity Through Expectancy-Value Theory and a Utility-Value Intervention', hosted in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University (DCU), Glasnevin campus. This 24-month project investigates whether Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT)-based reflective writing tasks can be adapted and delivered as a feasible, acceptable approach to promoting physical activity among Irish secondary school students. The project combines systematic review and meta-analysis, a large cross-sectional study of adolescent motivational beliefs and physical activity, and a proof-of-concept school-based intervention trial - with accelerometer-based activity measurement throughout.
The successful candidate will join a research team where methodological rigour runs through everything we do. We pre-register our studies, share data and code openly, and choose validated instruments over convenient ones. We work across meta-analysis, cross-sectional survey design, and school-based intervention - recognising the limitations of what each can and cannot tell us. Beyond the methods, we believe the best school-based interventions create genuine value for schools, teachers, and students while asking as little of them as possible - fitting naturally into everyday educational practice. We value clear thinking over complex framing, and good ideas are welcome from wherever they come. The team is small and collaborative, within a large supportive department ecosystem, and there is real scope for the right candidate to learn and develop important research skills, and grow as a researcher. We take the work seriously. We do not take ourselves too seriously. The contract term is up to 24 months, subject to adjustment based on the initial start date.
Please see the attached job description which includes details on the responsibilities associated with the role and the qualifications and experience required.
Salary Scale: IUA Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale (Point 1 to point 3): €47,273 - €49,890
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?
Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Dr Mika Manninen, Assistant Professor, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University.
Email: [email protected]
Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.
Application Procedure:
Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter
3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).
Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.
Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer.
In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. We will provide support and accommodations to ensure all candidates, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in the process.
The University's Athena Swan Silver Award signifies the University's commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Starters Pack #LI-Hybrid
Contact Email : [email protected]
Contact No : +00353 1 700 5436
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following position #003467 Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Activity and Motivation, up to 24 Month Fixed Term Contract
Role Profile
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Researcher position on the HRB Investigator-Led Project 'Understanding and Enhancing Adolescent Physical Activity Through Expectancy-Value Theory and a Utility-Value Intervention', hosted in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University (DCU), Glasnevin campus. This 24-month project investigates whether Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT)-based reflective writing tasks can be adapted and delivered as a feasible, acceptable approach to promoting physical activity among Irish secondary school students. The project combines systematic review and meta-analysis, a large cross-sectional study of adolescent motivational beliefs and physical activity, and a proof-of-concept school-based intervention trial - with accelerometer-based activity measurement throughout.
The successful candidate will join a research team where methodological rigour runs through everything we do. We pre-register our studies, share data and code openly, and choose validated instruments over convenient ones. We work across meta-analysis, cross-sectional survey design, and school-based intervention - recognising the limitations of what each can and cannot tell us. Beyond the methods, we believe the best school-based interventions create genuine value for schools, teachers, and students while asking as little of them as possible - fitting naturally into everyday educational practice. We value clear thinking over complex framing, and good ideas are welcome from wherever they come. The team is small and collaborative, within a large supportive department ecosystem, and there is real scope for the right candidate to learn and develop important research skills, and grow as a researcher. We take the work seriously. We do not take ourselves too seriously. The contract term is up to 24 months, subject to adjustment based on the initial start date.
Please see the attached job description which includes details on the responsibilities associated with the role and the qualifications and experience required.
Salary Scale: IUA Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale (Point 1 to point 3): €47,273 - €49,890
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 2nd September 2026
For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?
Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Dr Mika Manninen, Assistant Professor, School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University.
Email: [email protected]
Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.
Application Procedure:
Please submit your application through the online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:
1) Curriculum Vitae
2) Cover Letter
3) Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the bottom of the Vacancy).
Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.
Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer.
In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes. We will provide support and accommodations to ensure all candidates, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in the process.
The University's Athena Swan Silver Award signifies the University's commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Starters Pack #LI-Hybrid
Contact Email : [email protected]
Contact No : +00353 1 700 5436
