At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct applied research in sport science with Crystal Palace FC, focusing on training processes.
- Company: Edge Hill University in partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in elite sports and contribute to impactful research.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and networking.
- Why this job: Join a unique collaboration between academia and professional football for real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Strong research background in sport science and quantitative analysis skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
This is an externally funded position with Crystal Palace Football Club (CPFC), an exciting opportunity to conduct applied research around the monitoring and modelling of the training process in Premier League football players. This is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic, collegial, and high‑performing researcher seeking to embed themselves in a high‑performance sporting environment. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a long‑term strategic research partnership between academia and elite sport.
You’ll join a growing network of researchers working at the interface of sport performance, health, data science, and innovation, with real‑world impact across Crystal Palace FC's teams and departments. Your main duties and responsibilities will include:
- Conducting high quality applied sport science research in a professional football club, including project management and coordination, research design and governance.
- Data collection and analysis (primarily quantitative, observational designs).
- Dissemination of findings to academic and practitioner audiences.
- Assisting in embedding research into feedback mechanisms within CPFC and evaluating its impact.
- Publishing research in peer‑reviewed journals.
- Presenting at internal/external meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events – making research accessible to both expert and lay audiences.
This position is part of a significant research investment at CPFC across postgraduate (PhD, MRes) projects spanning sport science, rehabilitation, and computer science domains. These projects engage across CPFC’s senior men’s, senior women’s, and men’s academy teams, and you will play a central role in supporting the development of this collaborative research ecosystem. You will be expected to work from CPFC training ground offices (BR3 1RJ) with some travel to Edge Hill University Campus, Ormskirk.
As Post Doctoral Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science, you will have:
- Strong research background in a related discipline, ideally within a focus in the training process of athletes and processing of associated technologies.
- Experience of conducting impactful applied research with stakeholders in high performance sporting organisations, and demonstrable approaches to translating insight from research into decision making.
- Quantitative research skills and experience, including observational research designs, statistical analysis and analysis of wearable technology or associated data (e.g., GPS, IMU, force plate, video‑derived data).
- Applied knowledge and understanding of the training process of professional athletes across performance and rehabilitation contexts.
- Data management skills and experience including the merging and aggregation of various data sources.
- Proficiency with relevant analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
- Strong communication and collaborative skills and a friendly, open personality relevant to thriving within interdisciplinary environments.
PhD Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science | Edge Hill Uni employer: TheASPA
Edge Hill University, in partnership with Crystal Palace Football Club, offers an exceptional opportunity for a PhD Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science. This role not only provides access to cutting-edge research in a high-performance sporting environment but also fosters a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and innovation. With a focus on impactful research and real-world applications, employees can expect a supportive atmosphere that values their contributions and promotes continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science | Edge Hill Uni
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former researchers at Edge Hill Uni or CPFC. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, especially those related to sport science. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your research ideas and how they can benefit CPFC. We need to see your passion for applied sport science and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science | Edge Hill Uni
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the PhD Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant research experience, especially in applied sport science and any work with high-performance sporting organisations. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our research partnership with CPFC. Keep it engaging and personal – we love seeing your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Be sure to highlight your quantitative research skills and any experience with data analysis tools like R or Python. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their ability to handle data and translate insights into actionable outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at TheASPA
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your previous research and how it relates to applied sport science. Be ready to discuss your methodologies, findings, and how they can be applied in a high-performance sporting environment like CPFC.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since the role involves quantitative research and data analysis, brush up on your skills with tools like R, Python, or MATLAB. Prepare to discuss specific projects where you’ve used these tools to analyse data and draw meaningful conclusions.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
This position requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others, especially in interdisciplinary settings. Highlight how you can contribute to a collaborative research ecosystem.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to apply research in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would embed research into feedback mechanisms at CPFC and evaluate its impact. Being able to articulate practical applications of your research will set you apart.
