Researcher position; doctoral fellowship gambling-related online abuse towards athletes

Organisation/Company Ghent University Department Sport management Research Field Communication sciences Management sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 28 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 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

Vacancy:
PhD Fellow – GAMBUSE Project

Investigating the nature, motives, and impact of gambling-related online abuse towards athletes

The Ghent University Sport Management Research Group is recruiting one full-time doctoral fellow (PhD researcher) to join the GAMBUSE project
, funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

Athletes increasingly report facing online abuse from sports gamblers, often triggered by financial losses. Despite its societal relevance, scientific research on this phenomenon remains non-existent. The GAMBUSE project (2026–2029) aims to pioneer in this field by analysing the nature of this abuse, the profiles of the abusers, and the impact on athletes' wellbeing and coping strategies.

Under the supervision of Prof. dr. Bram Constandt and Dr. Lauranna Teunissen, the successful candidate will execute groundbreaking research at the intersection of sport management and communication sciences
, utilising innovative methods such as data donation and qualitative surveys.

We are looking for a team player with strong analytical and communication skills who holds a master’s degree in a relevant domain (e.g., sports sciences, communication sciences, sociology, psychology, management).

• Education: Master’s degree in social sciences, humanities, or health sciences. Master’s students graduating in 2026 are encouraged to apply.
• Skills: Proven methodological competencies (qualitative/quantitative), ability to work independently.
• Language: Fluency in English (speaking and writing) is required. Fluency in Dutch is considered advantageous for field research activities.

• Contract: A full-time position for an initial duration of 1 year, extendable by 3 years upon positive evaluation (1 + 3 years).
• Outcome: The research will lead to a doctoral dissertation and the title of PhD in Health Sciences.
• Start Date: Flexible, between March 1, 2026, and October 1, 2026.
• Final date to receive applications: January 28, 2026.
• Interview Date: Selected candidates will be invited for an on-site interview in Ghent (or remote for international applicants) on February 11, 2026.

Please refer to the attached PDF for the full vacancy description and application instructions. Applications must be sent as a single PDF file (including motivation letter, CV, diploma/scores, optional contact details of up to three references) to Prof. dr. Bram Constandt (  ) no later than January 28, 2026
.

E-mail

Research Field:
Communication sciences

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

• You hold (or will receive in a few months) a master’s degree in a relevant domain in the social sciences, humanities, or health sciences (e.g., sports sciences, communication sciences, economics, marketing, management, sociology, (social) psychology, public management, political sciences, criminology, history, public health). Interested master’s students who graduate in 2026 are encouraged to apply.
• You obtained excellent grades during your studies.
• You have a genuine interest in the topic of online abuse towards athletes as well as in the field(s) of sport management and communication sciences.
• You are interested in doing research in a dynamic academic environment for four years, leading to a PhD degree in Health Sciences.
• You can plan and carry out your tasks independently (with guidance). You have strong analytical skills that enable you to interpret the obtained research results.
• You have proven methodological research competencies, as evidenced by a track record in data donation, experimental research, qualitative surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups.
• You are a team player.
• You have strong social and communication skills.
• You have full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Proficiency in Dutch is preferred but not mandatory.