At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire students in Sport and Exercise Science while engaging in research.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, a leading institution in applied sciences.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 33 days holiday, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sport science and make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Sport Science and teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 £ per year.
The Institute of Earth and Life Sciences at Heriot‑Watt University, Edinburgh is seeking an outstanding practitioner for an open‑ended (tenured) Assistant Professorship (Teaching and Scholarly Activity) position in Applied Sport Science. We welcome applications from all areas of Sport and Exercise Science, particularly those with expertise in applied practice (e.g., exercise physiology, performance analysis, athlete load monitoring). The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and friendly, with proven communication and interpersonal skills, committed to enriching the student experience through professional practice.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver high‑quality courses in line with your expertise, enabling students to become excellent practitioners and embedding professional qualifications to ensure graduates are ‘Future‑Made’.
- Undertake continuous professional development, both through the University and externally, to remain up‑to‑date with current learning and teaching practice and sector‑influencers, providing direction and leadership.
- Share best practice in learning and teaching methodologies, collaborating with colleagues to develop scholarly debate and advance the curriculum to be future‑focused and challenge‑led.
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students’ work and address referred student issues within their programmes.
Scholarship and Research
- Reflect on practice and develop your own teaching and learning skills.
- Engage in subject, professional and pedagogical research to support teaching.
- Contribute to scholarly projects that enhance the Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons) programme and the wider discipline.
- Collaboratively identify funding sources and contribute to securing funds for scholarly activities.
- Mentor and coach research students, focusing on developing careers as interdisciplinary, collaborative, and effective researchers.
Collaboration and Leadership
- Work collaboratively within the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science team to ensure excellent student engagement, retention and outcomes.
- Coordinate with colleagues to deliver consistent, high‑quality teaching, scholarly activity and research in line with EGIS strategic aims and the wider University.
- Represent EGIS with integrity at national and international conferences, industrial partners and professional societies.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- A Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science or a related discipline.
- Relevant industry experience in applied sport science, with the ability to draw on this to support student learning.
- Prior experience of teaching in a higher education environment and/or supporting placement students in professional practice.
- Emotional intelligence, a demonstrable collegiate attitude and proven interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- PhD in Sport and Exercise Science (or close to completion).
- Accreditation from an appropriate professional body in Sport and Exercise Science (e.g., CASES, UKSCA) or willingness to achieve.
- Experience working in high‑performance sport.
- A track record of research, including peer‑reviewed publications in journals.
- Expertise in sport performance analysis.
- Experience of module leadership.
- A higher education teaching qualification and/or a fellowship of Advance HE.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 29th July 2026. Interviews are anticipated to take place on Thursday 13th August 2026. Applicants must submit via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system and include a cover letter, a full CV listing publications, and research and teaching statements.
Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Science employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration within the field of Sport and Exercise Science. With generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave and opportunities for continuous learning, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to a dynamic academic environment in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Science
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Heriot-Watt University. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Heriot-Watt University aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Heriot-Watt University, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
