Researcher position (doctoral fellowship) on gambling-related online abuse towards athletes

Vacature: PhD Onderzoeker (GAMBUSE-project)

Binnen de onderzoeksgroep Sportmanagement (Vakgroep Bewegings- en Sportwetenschappen) zijn we op zoek naar een voltijdse doctoraatsstudent voor het nieuwe FWO-project "GAMBUSE". Dit project onderzoekt de aard, motieven en impact van gok-gerelateerd online misbruik ten aanzien van atleten.

Gezien het internationale karakter van het onderzoek en de werkomgeving, is de volledige vacaturetekst hieronder in het Engels opgesteld voor een zo groot mogelijk bereik. De volledige details vindt u in de bijlage.

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).

Project Context

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.

Job Profile and Requirements

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.

  
  

Offer and Timeline

• 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.

• Application Deadline: 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.

  
  

How to Apply

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 (bram.constandt@ugent.be) no later than January 28, 2026.

Vacancy PhD researcher GAMBUSE.pdf

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