Applied Football Research - PhD Studentship

THE PLACEMENT:

Several exciting opportunities have arisen to undertake a fully funded applied PhD studentship in conjunction with the Cardiff Metropolitan University and Brentford Football Club. The purpose of these roles is to combine postgraduate research with the development of practitioner based applied sports science skills through assisting in the delivery of the performance strategy at Brentford FC. The four positions will be for a 3-year period subject to the satisfactory progress of the individual in the role. Three placements will conduct research with the first team squad while one placement will be assigned to the Academy.

As part of the performance team, and as a doctoral student, the key responsibilities of this role are:

• To plan and complete a program of research suitable for a PhD related to football performance.
• Engage with a program of applied sport science related training associated with the development of relevant competencies for applied practice within elite football.
• Assist in the delivery of the performance strategy, such as data collection, management and analysis, development and delivery of on pitch and gym-based training sessions, regular performance testing, and associated interpretation and reporting of results. Attendance at selected games and training camps if and when required.
• To fulfil the academic, professional, and personal requirements associated with the completion of tasks linked to doctoral level research and the role of a trainee practitioner in elite football.

The purpose of this PhD is to undertake a series of high-quality studies, which establish a theoretically informed performance program in elite football, identifying areas to optimise provision for elite football players. The four research areas will be focused on the following:

1. Training and match performance demands
2. Strength and conditioning
3. Nutrition
4. Recovery

More specific details on each project will be shared with those candidates invited to interview

THE CANDIDATE:

Job knowledge:

• Sports science, coaching science, and fitness or related experience in elite sport.

Education and Qualifications:

• Essential BSc in sports science or related field.
• Desirable postgraduate qualification in sport science or related feel.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience of sports science and coaching techniques in elite sport, preferably football. Experience of engaging with players within an elite football environment. Ideally within the context of sports science and related activities.

Personal Attributes:

• Have previous experience of working in a sports nutrition capacity within elite or professional sport.
• Engaging personality and able person with the ability to adapt to fresh challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to manage time effectively and efficiently to achieve all aspects of the role.
• Good team player, and the ability to work on own initiative. Flexible. Approach to working hours is a must.

Desirable:

• A Master’s degree (Msc) with evidence of undertaking empirical research as part of your studies.
• Experience of conducting applied research in football.
• Experience of working within professional football or other elite sports.

EQUALITY & INCLUSION:

Brentford Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, reassignment, religion, or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Candidate must keep up-to-date with new methods and undertake any necessary, internal or external training sessions in accordance with company, policies and procedures.

WHO TO CONTACT:

To discuss the research project or for questions on the university application process, please contact Professor Jon Oliver [Email Address Removed]

Applications should be sent via e-mail to [Email Address Removed]

To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following:

• a CV, cover letter and research proposal. The proposal should align to one of the above themes and include a brief literature review related to the specific project area, with an outline of the studies that you would propose to complete the aims of the PhD programme (maximum 2 pages single spaced).

We can only consider complete applications. The PhD programme application is complete when you have submitted all of the following:

• Your CV
• Your cover letter
• Your research proposal
• Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts
• Copy of your passport

The positions will be open until filled.

Interviews are likely to take place the week beginning 10th July 2023.

Start date 1st September 2023.