The exploration, co-design and implementation of a systems-informed, Talent Development Pathway for sport.

About the project

About the Project This PhD seeks to examine the talent development pathways that exist in sport, through a systems lens. This systems lens will adopt an interdisciplinary perspective and examine the pathway from all disciplines to enable a full understanding of the pathways that exist in sport (internationally, and then with a specific focus on sport in the UK). The PhD will have three distinct but related phases. Phase 1 (exploratory phase): To establish what a talent development pathway is composed of, and how those components vary. It will include an international scoping review of talent development and elite sport systems across sports and nations and a focused international comparison of four to six contrasting national pathways. Phase 2 (co-development phase) : Informed by phase one, the co-development phase will then seek to co-create system informed guidelines for talent development in the UK, using a Delphi approach. Phase 3 (application phase) : Working within one national system for the target sport, this phase will map the current pathway at system level and use the Phase 2 guidelines to produce an evidence-informed proposed pathway model. N.B. Full implementation and outcome evaluation of a national pathway sits beyond a doctoral timeframe and is positioned here as the route to post-doctoral and impact activity, aligning directly with the developing REF 2029 Impact Case Study on systems approaches to sport and physical activity. The Candidate The successful candidate will have a strong academic track record relevant to the research area of interest, together with some experience of working in an applied performance setting, ideally in performance pathway/s. Experience of working with national governing sport bodies is highly desirable. Knowledge and experience: Systems approaches in sport; Performance pathways and their nuances, from across a range of sports; Delphi and co-prodiuction approaches in research; Of working in a multidisciplinary, high performance sport environment. Education and Qualifications First or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification ideally in a sports science or a sports management related discipline is also highly desirable Personal Attributes Curious and motivated researcher. Excellent organisational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects. Commitment to interdisciplinary working as part of a team. Passion for improving elite pathways in sport. Interest in representing early career researchers in the range of research centre activities, including networking activities, external/internal events and promotion. To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following: CV (max 2 pages) to include two academic referees Cover letter outlining your motivation for undertaking the PhD, relevant experience, research interests and career aspirations (max 2 pages) A PDF of your undergraduate or postgraduate thesis Degree and postgraduate transcripts Applications should be submitted to ESSHRI@cardiffmet.ac.uk Given the anticipated high-volume of applications received, we will only contact those applicants who are invited to interview. For any questions about this opportunity, please contact Prof Diane Crone: dmcrone@cardiffmet.ac.uk Closing Date: 2 nd October 2026 Interviews: likely w/c 19 th October 2026 Enrolment: 29 th January 2027

Research areas