Doctor Johnson, co-director of the laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation, is providing a fully funded doctoral assistantship beginning in the fall of 2026. This is not just any other graduate position; it is a PhD in pediatric physical activity research that will make a real impact on the lives of children.
PhD in Pediatric Physical Activity Research
The lab undertakes innovative research on motor skill competence, physical activity, and health-related issues in childhood. The focus of Dr. Johnson’s work is on behavioral interventions targeting preschool children who have poor prospects for healthy development and on developing interventions for such populations. This research is aimed at achieving two objectives: to improve health outcomes related to obesity in children and to find ways of designing and evaluating interventions.
The unique feature of this research lies in the attention paid to parental factors and the search for ways to influence the behavior of parents in order to encourage them to facilitate proper development in their children. The key outcomes under study are motor competence, physical activity, and body weight.
What the PhD in Pediatric Physical Activity Research Assistantship Includes:
This is an extensive package of financial aid to facilitate your Ph.D. program:
- Fully paid tuition throughout the program
- Monthly stipend for covering living costs
- Health insurance
- Funds to cover travel expenses to attend conferences and seminars
- Renewable for up to 4 years, depending on academic performance and position requirements
The position includes practical research training, mentoring by Dr. Johnson, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly publication and presentation assistance.
Who Should Apply for PhD in Pediatric Physical Activity Research
Required Qualifications
You will require a master’s degree in Kinesiology or any other related field with a good GPA. You will be joining the PhD in Human Performance and Movement Science (HPMS) program at UNT.
What Matters Most
Apart from the credentials, what Dr. Johnson considers most important is passion and curiosity. Students who excel in doctoral programs are those who become curious when their experiments do not go according to plan, those who have taken responsibility for their personal growth, and those who really want to make contributions to the lab’s goal.
The desirable experience includes previous research in motor development, physical activity, or any related topics, especially regarding data collection and analysis. Experience in professional presentations and teaching is preferred, although not necessary.
Highly self-motivated and self-sufficient students who can manage their time well and analyze are what we are looking for. Also important is the ability to work in a team.
About Your Mentor
The research program of Dr. Johnson aims to enhance the health status of young children using evidence-based interventions. His focus is particularly on the crucial preschool age when the patterns of healthy behavior begin to develop and become established. Specifically, he develops interventions that would be effective not only in laboratory settings but also in the real world.
Further information about the research activities of Dr. Johnson can be found on his faculty profile page at UNT.
How to Apply
Application deadline: July 1, 2026
Key initial step: Before applying formally, potential students need to contact Dr. Johnson by sending an email to [email protected] to schedule an online Zoom or personal meeting to discuss whether the lab will be a suitable match for their academic pursuits.
Applications are currently being accepted for the PhD in Human Performance and Movement Science. Check the program website for further details on application procedures and other information about the program.
Competitive assistantships like this rarely stay open long
The ideal doctoral candidate has a passion for pediatrics and is interested in contributing to research and building the necessary skills required in order to have a successful research career. If this describes you, then contact me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I get in touch with Dr. Johnson before applying?
Yes, you are highly advised to email Dr. Johnson ([email protected]) to schedule a meeting through Zoom or face-to-face before you apply formally. The purpose of this first interaction will be to ensure that you are both a good fit for each other and to allow you to ask questions related to your research.
What is the deadline for the application process?
The application will begin now and will be available until July 1, 2026. Nevertheless, it is suggested that you should contact Dr. Johnson before the deadline to have enough time to discuss things and apply.
What documentation do I require to apply?
Please visit the program website for PhD in Human Performance and Movement Science to know everything about the application process. Normally, you will need transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV/resume, etc.
My education is in public health/exercise science/nutrition instead of kinesiology. Can I apply?
Yes. The job seeks a Master’s in kinesiology or other similar programs dealing with movement and health. Relevant disciplines such as exercise science, public health, nutrition, child development, and health promotion will be acceptable.
Do I need any research experience?
Previous research in areas like motor development and physical activity is preferred but not necessary. Data collection and analysis experience is a good thing to have but more important is your interest and desire to learn new things.
I have no teaching experience. Would this disqualify me from applying?
Not necessarily. Teaching experience is valuable but not mandatory. Since the assistantship emphasizes more research-based activities, you will get to develop your teaching skills while doing your PhD program.
What is included in “full tuition coverage”?
You will receive full tuition coverage as an assistantship holder during your study for a PhD in Pediatric Physical Activity Research. This means you do not have to pay any tuition charges during your enrollment as an assistantship holder.
How much is the stipend per month?
The stipend provided as an assistantship holder is highly competitive, following UNT’s graduate assistantship stipend rates. For further details on the exact stipend rates, please contact Dr. Johnson.
Is the funding guaranteed throughout the four years?
Funding for a PhD in pediatrics, physical activity research can be renewed for up to four years, contingent upon adequate academic progress by students and fulfilling position requirements. This implies that you get continued funding if you meet the above criteria.
Can I engage in another form of work?
PhD assistantships are normally full-time positions. Other forms of employment might be limited or might need permission. Please discuss this matter with Dr. Johnson at your initial meeting if there is such a need.
What is the purpose of travel funds?
Travel funds will enable you to attend professional events like conferences to showcase your research, visiting collaborating organizations, or engaging in targeted training programs.
What kind of research will I be doing?
The research will include studies of motor skill competence, physical activity, and associated outcomes among children, focusing on encouraging healthy lifestyles throughout life. The research will involve conducting behavioral interventions with preschoolers and their families, the key outcomes being motor skill competence, physical activity, and body mass index.
Will I be working with children?
Yes, because all of the projects in this laboratory involve pediatric subjects, especially preschool children. Experience with children is therefore highly likely.
What kinds of methods and skills will I learn?
The research assistant will get training in research methodology, data collection and analysis, intervention implementation and design, and working with pediatric populations. The skills to be developed include scholarly writing and oral presentations.
Is there opportunity for interdisciplinary research collaborations?
Absolutely! Interdisciplinary research is a key component of this assistantship. Dr. Johnson’s research on childhood obesity involves family-level interventions that relate to the fields of nutrition, psychology, and education.
When does the program begin?
Fall Semester of 2026 marks the beginning of the assistantship, coinciding with the academic schedule of UNT University.
How long does the PhD program take?
Most programs of this type last between 4 and 5 years. Assistantships are renewed every year up to 4 years, and students usually continue their work until the completion of their dissertations.
Is it possible to do PhD in Pediatric part-time here?
As far as fully funded assistantships go, they are mostly full-time jobs and entail full-time education. Discuss the specifics of your situation with Dr. Johnson.
Is this a campus-based program, or is it remote?
The program is based at the campus in Denton, Texas. In order to conduct research, especially that connected with direct child assessments, campus presence is required.
Are international students eligible for the program?
Yes, international applicants are welcome to apply. Besides meeting international admission criteria set by the university, you will be required to meet additional criteria specific to the program. Please be sure to allow more time for visa arrangements.
Does the assistantship cover tuition for international students?
Please contact Dr. Johnson and the HPMS program about the rates for international students.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Dr. Jerraco Johnson at [email protected] to discuss your specific situation and learn more about this opportunity.
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