Postdoctoral Researcher (80-100% FTE) in Exercise and Environmental Physiology

Starting date: September 1st 2026 or upon agreement
Duration: 3 years

About Us:
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 in older adults with chronic respiratory disease 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.

Your position

• 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

Your profile

• 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)

We offer you

• A positive working atmosphere within an interdisciplinary team in multi-center projects
• Opportunities for independent academic development with the goal of habilitation if desired
• Access to well-equipped exercise physiology laboratories allowing to deploy advanced measurement techniques as well as opportunity to conduct field studies with wearable sensors
• Participation in internal and external continuing education and training programs
• Flexible work hours with the possibility of home office
• Opportunity to develop teaching skills if desired
• Continuous opportunities to develop leadership and project management skills further
• Working in a brand new sport science facility surrounded by sport facilities

Application / Contact

Applications must be submitted by June 30th, 2026 via the online recruiting tool of Basel University (applications through other channels will not be considered) and should include:

• Possible starting date
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae with publication list and description of projects

For further information, please contact: Prof. Dr. Sarah Koch, Division of Exercise and Environmental Physiology, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel (Email: sarah.koch@ unibas.ch

Tel.: 0041 (0)61 207 47 88).

Further information:
Department for Sport, Exercise, and Health: https://dsbg.unibas.ch/de/')
Exercise and Environmental Physiology Group: https://ephys.dsbg.unibas.ch/en/')

www.unibas.ch')