Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Physical Development in Girls Football

Reference: REQ0002159

Job reference

REQ0002159

Date posted

14/09/2026

Application closing date: Midnight

05/10/2026

Location

Leeds

Salary

Grade 6 (£39,906 - £44,746)

Package

Please refer to candidate pack

Job category/type

Academic/Research

Attachments

Candidate Pack REQ2159.pdf

Job description

The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in partnership with the Football Association (FA) to advance the physical development of talented girls across the England Talent Pathway. The successful candidate will carry out research, knowledge exchange and consultancy in the physical development of girls football. This will involve implementing a physical performance strategy across the FA's Girls' Talent Pathway from Emerging Talent Centres to National England U16s.

This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic, collegial, and high- achieving individual who is seeking an applied and research role in a vibrant, impactful, and inclusive environment. The main responsibilities of the role include:

This is an ambitious role with great potential for impact and will suit an individual who is driven by research and applied practice that can make a tangible difference girls football. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Stacey Emmonds (Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University) and will be supported by a wider research team. The successful applicant will support the design and organisation of work packages and the management and execution of data collection and analysis. They will also prepare high-quality publications, reports, conference papers, and other outputs resulting from the project. In return, the successful candidate will join an internationally leading (as recognised in the recent national REF audit) research team and extend their professional network within and beyond academia.

This post is appropriate for individuals with a PhD and applied experience working with youth athletes, especially girls. Demonstrable experience of conducting research and applying physical development is essential. All candidates should possess strong academic research, communication, and applied skills, and should have demonstrable ability to lead research and knowledge exchange projects independently and as part of a collaborative and collegial team.

The successful candidate will be based at Headingley Campus.

Closing date: Monday 5th October (23.59)

Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 12th or 19th October (TBC) on Headingley Campus.

To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Dr Stacey Emmonds: [email protected]

Working here means you'll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities, and a lot more.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from disabled and/or Black and minoritised ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.

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Job description

The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in partnership with the Football Association (FA) to advance the physical development of talented girls across the England Talent Pathway. The successful candidate will carry out research, knowledge exchange and consultancy in the physical development of girls football. This will involve implementing a physical performance strategy across the FA's Girls' Talent Pathway from Emerging Talent Centres to National England U16s.

This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic, collegial, and high- achieving individual who is seeking an applied and research role in a vibrant, impactful, and inclusive environment. The main responsibilities of the role include:

This is an ambitious role with great potential for impact and will suit an individual who is driven by research and applied practice that can make a tangible difference girls football. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr Stacey Emmonds (Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University) and will be supported by a wider research team. The successful applicant will support the design and organisation of work packages and the management and execution of data collection and analysis. They will also prepare high-quality publications, reports, conference papers, and other outputs resulting from the project. In return, the successful candidate will join an internationally leading (as recognised in the recent national REF audit) research team and extend their professional network within and beyond academia.

This post is appropriate for individuals with a PhD and applied experience working with youth athletes, especially girls. Demonstrable experience of conducting research and applying physical development is essential. All candidates should possess strong academic research, communication, and applied skills, and should have demonstrable ability to lead research and knowledge exchange projects independently and as part of a collaborative and collegial team.

The successful candidate will be based at Headingley Campus.

Closing date: Monday 5th October (23.59)

Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 12th or 19th October (TBC) on Headingley Campus.

To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Dr Stacey Emmonds: [email protected]

Working here means you'll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities, and a lot more.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from disabled and/or Black and minoritised ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.

Send to a friend