MScR Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences
Organisations:University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Rugby
Location:Scottish Gas Murrayfield and Moray House School of Education and Sport (Holyrood, Edinburgh)
Contract type:Fully-funded (UK fees), full-time post graduate research degree; £10900 scholarship
January 2027 to January 2028
Key dates
Project application and scholarship close – 12pm on 2nd October 2026
Interviews will be held w/c 12th October 2026. Successful applicant will be notified by the end of w/c19th October 2026.
The successful applicant will be required to submit their research proposal and programme application before 12pm on 30th October 2026, pending approval from the supervision team and admissions.
Coordinated within Moray House School of Education and Sport, this programme of work will provide the successful applicant with exposure to sports science support in a professional rugby environment and research opportunities at a world-leading university.
The focus of the project is to analyse off the ball activity in elite level rugby. Findings will act to support coach decision making and identify areas to inform training and in-game activity/performance.
The project will involve full-time in-person postgraduate research (PGR) study, with time dedicated each week to working at Edinburgh Rugby as a Performance Analyst. It is important to note that with PGR study, there are no taught elements, but the successful applicant will be supervised through the project. The supervisory team will consist of Dr Ali Pearson and Professor Tony Turner.
Minimum 2:1 degree award in a sports science subject or related area
Previous experience of working as a performance analyst or sports science practitioner, ideally within a professional rugby environment
Holds (or working towards or is willing to gain) relevant sports science-related qualifications (e.g., coaching badges) or accreditation(s) (e.g., ISPAS or ASPA)
Academically minded, with awareness for research-related practice and process
Understanding of key principles related to the project (critical areas include performance analysis, feedback and coaching process)
Awareness of contemporary literature and able to identify gaps within published work
IT literate; able to use desktop packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, iWork Suite) and proficient with data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Jamovi)
Experience with sports science hardware and software (e.g., Hudl Sportscode, Nacsport, Opta, StatsPerform, Catapult GPS, Microsoft Excel and PowerBI)
High attention to detail
Proactive in approach to work and learning
Willing to work flexibly as required within the project
Able to manage a large workload professionally
Committed to developing and producing the best quality of work
Able to work independently and as part of a team, and build relationships with key stakeholders (supervisors, relevant coaching sta^, players)
The successful applicant will be required to complete a PVG check
Please direct any questions or queries regarding the scholarship to Dr Ali Pearson.
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MScR Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences employer: Triathlon Scotland
Inverness Harriers AAC is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that values collaboration and community engagement. As a part-time Finance and Membership Administrator, you'll have the opportunity to play a vital role in the club's growth while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and contributing to meaningful initiatives as the club transitions to charitable status. With a focus on employee development and teamwork, this role is perfect for those looking to make a positive impact in their local community.
