1st Team Sports Scientist in Thorp Arch

The 1st Team Sport Scientist is responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based sport science support to enhance player performance, health, and availability. The role works closely with the multidisciplinary performance team to monitor, analyse and optimise training and match demands, ensuring players are physically prepared and supported throughout the season. The role provides daily performance monitoring, reporting and applied support to the coaching staff, medical team and wider performance department. This includes the collection and interpretation of GPS, heart rate and subjective wellness data, alongside contributing to rehabilitation, reconditioning and return-to-play processes. The role forms part of the Club’s elite performance function and contributes to a coordinated, innovative and data-driven approach to player development and performance optimisation, ensuring best practice standards are maintained across all sport science operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day sport science support to the First Team, including training and match monitoring, data collection and performance reporting.
• Support effective communication between coaches, medical staff, analysts and performance colleagues to inform training prescription and player management.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, dashboards and insights using GPS, heart rate and performance monitoring systems.
• Support travel, logistics and preparation for matches and training camps where performance monitoring is required.
• Handle sensitive player data with confidentiality, professionalism and care.

Monitoring and analysis support

• Collect, collate and interpret daily wellness, GPS, heart rate and post-session subjective data.
• Provide actionable insights to inform decision-making around training load, recovery and readiness.
• Maintain accurate data records, systems and reporting structures to support ongoing performance analysis.
• Support the tracking and monitoring of individual player performance and development plans.

Rehabilitation and performance support

• Assist with gym-based and on-pitch physical performance programmes.
• Support rehabilitation and reconditioning of players returning from injury in collaboration with medical staff.
• Contribute to return-to-play strategies, criteria and monitoring processes.

Systems, equipment and operational support

• Ensure full functionality and maintenance of GPS units, heart rate systems and performance monitoring equipment.
• Manage athlete management systems, ensuring accurate input and organisation of player data.
• Support best practice in data collection, storage and utilisation across all performance disciplines.
• Coordinate practical processes such as equipment preparation, session setup and monitoring logistics.

Collaboration and innovation

• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure consistent player monitoring and data sharing.
• Liaise with technology teams to ensure systems integration and compliance.
• Contribute to CPD programmes, research initiatives and knowledge sharing within the Club.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement of sport science processes and practices.

Other Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for personal performance and development to ensure the required skills, knowledge and competence to fulfil the role.
• Perform duties with due regard to Club policies, procedures and legislative requirements at all times.
• Act as an ambassador for equity and inclusion, supporting the Club’s commitment and appropriately challenging any unacceptable behaviour.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, welfare and equality policies at all times.
• Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) and required training.
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone analytical, proactive and highly driven, who thrives in a high-performance environment. You’ll play a key role within the First Team performance department, so attention to detail, collaboration and the ability to deliver under pressure are essential.

You’ll have:

• Degree in Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Rehabilitation or a related subject.
• Recognised S&C certification (e.g. UKSCA, ASCA or equivalent).
• Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in professional sport.
• FA First Aid (BFAS) Certificate.
• Enhanced DBS.
• BASES accreditation (desirable).

Experience

• Experience of providing sport science support within a professional or elite sporting environment.
• Experience of monitoring training and match loads using GPS, heart rate and performance data.
• Experience of planning and delivering gym-based and pitch-based physical performance programmes.
• Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams including medical and coaching staff.
• Experience of rehabilitation and return-to-play processes is desirable.
• Experience within a Premier League or elite football environment is desirable.
• Strong understanding of sport science principles and their application to elite performance.
• Understanding of player monitoring, load management and recovery strategies.
• Understanding of data protection, confidentiality and accurate record keeping.
• Understanding of high-performance environments and the demands of professional football.

Why Should You Join Leeds United?

Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters. In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting benefits. If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that’s as committed to performance as it is to its people, we would love to see your application.