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- Tasks: Conduct research on youth football player development at Motherwell FC and the University of Edinburgh.
- Company: Join a prestigious partnership between the University of Edinburgh and Motherwell Football Club.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a professional football academy while pursuing a postgraduate degree.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sports science and player development.
- Qualifications: Must have a 2:1 degree in sports science or related field and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
MScR Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences
Organisations: University of Edinburgh and Motherwell Football Club
Location: Motherwell FC training locations and Moray House School of Education and Sport (Holyrood, Edinburgh)
Contract length: July 2026 to August 2027
Key dates:
- Project application and scholarship close – 12pm on 25th May 2026
- Interviews will be held w/c 22nd June 2026. Successful applicant will be notified by the end of that week.
- The successful applicant will be required to submit their research proposal and programme application before 12pm on 17th July 2026, pending approval from the supervision team and admissions.
In partnership with Motherwell Football Club, a Masters by Research (MScR) project in the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh has been developed. Coordinated within the Academy of Sport and the Human Performance Science Research Group, this programme of work will provide the successful applicant with exposure to sports science support in a professional football academy and research opportunities at a world-leading university.
The focus of the project is to characterise loading of youth academy players, and consider stages by which appropriate development can be made up to First Team football. This will be framed from an interdisciplinary perspective, and consider broader sports science perspectives around player development.
The project will involve full-time in-person postgraduate research (PGR) study, with time dedicated each week to working in the boy’s academy at Motherwell FC as an Academy Sports Scientist (applicants must have the right to live in the United Kingdom). 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.
Requirements:
- Minimum 2:1 degree award in a sports science subject or related area
- Previous experience of working as a sports science practitioner, ideally within a professional football environment
- Holds (or working towards or is willing to gain) relevant sports science-related qualifications (e.g., coaching badges) or accreditation(s) (e.g., UKSCA)
- Academically minded, with awareness for research-related practice and process
- Understanding of key principles related to the project (critical areas include load and physical preparation, analysis of performance, interdisciplinarity in sports science)
- 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., Catapult GPS, VALD systems (Nordbord, Forceframe, Force Plates), 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 staff, players)
The successful applicant will be required to complete a PVG check.
Application process:
To apply, please send a one-page document detailing what you view as research and practice priorities in physical development of footballers within academy football, and what project you would conduct to assess or examine these priorities. This should be underpinned by examples of relevant published research. Please also include CV detailing your expertise and experiences and send to Dr Ali Pearson (Teaching Fellow in Applied Sport Science – alastair.pearson@ed.ac.uk) and Graeme Henderson (Head of Performance – graeme.henderson@motherwellfc.co.uk) by 12pm on 25th May 2026. Please also apply for the scholarship via the webform by 12pm on 25th May 2026.
Applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted with details of the interview by 12th June 2026. Interviews will be held w/c 22nd June 2026, and details of the interview will be shared with the shortlisted applicants. The successful applicant will be notified post-interview by the end of w/c 22nd June 2026. The application will then need to apply for the MScR Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences programme by 12pm on 17th July 2026. Details regarding this will be discussed with the successful applicant, with relevant support provided to aid the application process.
Part-funded, full-time postgraduate research degree in Edinburgh employer: Triathlonscotland
Contact Detail:
Triathlonscotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-funded, full-time postgraduate research degree in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the people involved! Reach out to Dr Ali Pearson and Graeme Henderson on LinkedIn or via email. A friendly chat can help you understand their expectations and show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview like a pro! Research the latest trends in sports science and be ready to discuss how they relate to your proposed project. This will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight your experience with sports science hardware and software. Bring examples of how you've used these tools effectively in past roles to impress the panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Motherwell FC and the University of Edinburgh.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-funded, full-time postgraduate research degree in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Research Proposal Right: When crafting your one-page document, make sure to clearly outline your research and practice priorities in physical development for academy footballers. Use relevant published research to back up your ideas – this shows you know your stuff!
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should highlight your expertise and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Don’t just list everything; focus on what makes you a great fit for this specific project and how your background aligns with the requirements.
Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure you send your application to both Dr Ali Pearson and Graeme Henderson by the deadline. Double-check that you’ve included all necessary documents and that they’re formatted correctly – attention to detail is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply for the scholarship via the webform by the same deadline! It’s super important to follow all steps in the application process to ensure you’re considered for this amazing opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Triathlonscotland
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of your proposed research project. Be ready to discuss how it aligns with the priorities in physical development for footballers and how it fills gaps in existing literature. This shows your academic commitment and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight any previous experience you've had as a sports science practitioner, especially within a professional football environment. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've applied your knowledge in real-world settings, particularly in relation to player development and performance analysis.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Tools
Since the role involves using various sports science hardware and software, brush up on your skills with tools like Catapult GPS and data analysis software such as SPSS or R. Being able to confidently discuss your proficiency with these tools will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions for Dr Ali Pearson and Professor Tony Turner about their expectations for the project and the supervisory process. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the programme is the right fit for you.