Skill planning and periodisation in Olympic and Paralympic sports

This PhD research project is a collaboration between the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the University of Canberra (UC), and the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI).

The scholarship forms part of an AIS-UC project: ‘2032SKILLS – A national skill acquisition framework for individual & team sports for female & male athletes’.

What will you do?

Skill acquisition specialists work with coaches and athletes to co-create learning environments and support the development of sport-specific perceptual-motor skills. This PhD will explore an under-researched but critical element of skill acquisition and learning design – how to effectively plan and periodise skill development.

The candidate will have the chance to shape their experience depending on their interests. You will have the opportunity to spend time immersed within different Olympic and Paralympic sport program at SASI and in the newly conceptualised SASI Movement Studio – a space designed to optimise athlete learning and coach development. The candidate will also be mentored by experienced skill acquisition specialists and supported to develop skills and experience for a future career post PhD.

How will it work?

The successful candidate will be enrolled through UC in Canberra but embedded at SASI in Adelaide, Australia. They will also join a network of Skill Acquisition Specialists across the Australian Olympic and Paralympic sporting system. The program will commence early 2025.

Are you eligible?

Applicants will need to:

• Have a Bachelor degree and/or Honours degree in sports science, coaching, and/or education.
• Have experience working in sport (coaching, physical education, or in high performance).
• Meet UC academic and English language entry requirements for the PhD program.
• International applicants are welcome to apply.

The successful applicant will receive a Stipend Scholarship of AUS $35,000 per year (tax-free), plus research-related expenses and a laptop.

How to Apply

Submit your expression of interest to Michael.Maloney@canberra.edu.au by Mon Dec 2, including:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter (2-page max.) of your career highlighting your experience in sports, coaching, sports science practice and/or research, why you want to undertake this PhD.
• Contact details of two referees (full name, affiliation, email, and phone number).
• Full academic transcripts, English language results (if required).