PhD in MSCA Network: Gender, Hormone Levels & Sports Inclusion

Gender-InSIGHT is an international network focused on the Investigation of biopsychoSocial Influences on Gender during (diverse) Hormonal Transitions. The network brings together multiple disciplines such as psychology, history, ethics, endocrinology, neuroscience, and public health. Through collaborative and mixed methods research, the projects aim to enhance understanding of how biopsychosocial factors influence hormonal transitions such as puberty and menopause, in both the general population and in individuals with variations of sex characteristics, as well as trans and gender-diverse individuals. The historical, clinical, and societal lenses will guide the research:

• The historical lens will explore the ethical and historical implications of changing perceptions of gender and hormones over time.
• The clinical lens will provide guidelines for healthcare providers on how to address gender-related biopsychosocial factors in clinical settings.
• The societal lens will investigate societal pressures and media communication surrounding gender and its biopsychosocial nature across cultures.

The project also aims to influence culture, media, healthcare, and public policy through collaboration with partners from the non-academic sector. A PhD vacancy is available focusing on how hormone levels and gender segregation in sports affect transgender/gender diverse and intersex athletes.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

Hormone Levels, Gender, and Sports

This research will aim to:

1. Determine how policies regarding gender in sports have influenced the gendered feelings and treatment choices of trans athletes and athletes with variations in sex characteristics (VSC).
   • How these policies have influenced the construction of their identity.
   • How they have informed decisions regarding hormonal treatment.
2. Develop recommendations for the inclusion of trans athletes and athletes with VSC in sports.

In this project, we will:

• Review the scientific literature on hormone levels and gender segregation in sports.
• Collect oral histories from athletes who competed during various time periods when different policies and regulations were in place.
• Analyze books, films, and documentaries featuring trans athletes and athletes with VSC.
• Conduct a Delphi study involving trans athletes, athletes with VSC, sports officials, and members of sports organizations to develop recommendations for implementing inclusive policies.
• In a secondment with the KNVB, study current gender-related policies in sports and recruit participants for the Delphi study.

A Master's degree in humanities, psychology, or a related social science field

1. Strong analytical skills and a passion for problem-solving
2. An excellent academic record and a scientific curiosity
3. Fluent spoken and written English

Additionally, the following experience would be beneficial, but not essential:

• Research experience in trans, gender-diverse individuals or individuals with variations in sex characteristics
• Experience with qualitative research
• Knowledge of Dutch (not required but advantageous)

Note: 

Important strict eligibility criteria according to MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE programs:

1. You must be in the first four years of your research career and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
2. At the time of the application deadline, you must also have a Master's degree and must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the contract start date.
3. A 3-6 month internship in another organization will be part of the Marie Curie project.

If you have not already done so, please visit the Gender-InSIGHT webpage to complete the eligibility screening questions for this application.