ISBS Student Internship: Age- and sex-specific movement variability in distance runners
We are inviting applications for an eight-week paid research internship (€250/week) investigating age- and sex-specific biomechanics of distance runners.
The internship provides an exciting opportunity to work with a comprehensive biomechanical dataset of distance runners and develop practical experience in working with 3D motion capture data, kinematic profiling, and advanced movement variability analysis.
What will you do?
The project will focus on understanding how movement variability in distance runners differs between athletes of different ages and sexes.
As an intern, you will:
- Generate a full-body 3D kinematic dataset from previously collected motion-capture data.
- Establish movement variability of the lower limbs in a large cohort of distance runners.
- Investigate the age- and sex-specific movement patterns across five running speeds.
Outcomes are expected to contribute to high-quality research outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) conference).
What will you gain?
During the internship, you will have access to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s biomechanics facilities, including its state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, and work under the supervision of experienced sport biomechanics researchers (note that attendance at Cyncoed Campus is required throughout the internship). Moreover, this internship will provide hands-on experience in:
- Motion-capture data processing
- Full-body 3D kinematic analysis
- Quantifying joint and segmental movement variability
- Working with a large biomechanical dataset
- Examining kinematic patterns across age, sex, and running speed
- Advanced movement variability analysis and visualisation
- Interpreting and reporting on biomechanical research findings
- Preparing research outputs for publication and presentation
Who can apply?
We are seeking an enthusiastic student with an interest in sport biomechanics, distance running science, and/or human movement research. The internship is open to current MSc or PhD students in a relevant field, and applicants from all countries and universities.
Previous experience of working with motion-capture data (VICON), 3D kinematic analysis (Visual3D), programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python), and/or movement variability analysis (e.g., continuous relative phase, vector coding) would be advantageous but not required. However, applicants with a strong interest in developing these and other skills are encouraged to apply.
Internship details
Duration: 8 weeks
Financial compensation: €250 per week
Location: Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
Start date: February-March 2027
Application deadline: Friday 13th November 2026
The internship will be supervised by Dr Jasper Verheul and Sophie Burton, and is supported by the ISBS Student Internship grant.
How to apply?
To apply, please submit a brief CV and statement of interest (max of one A4 each), outlining your relevant experience and why you would like to undertake this internship. Applications or any questions related to the internship can be submitted via email to Dr Jasper Verheul (jpverheul@cardiffmet.ac.uk) by Friday 13th November 2026.
Applicants will be contacted within three weeks of the application deadline, and interviews are expected to take place in December 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you.