Post Doctoral Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science

Review: Post Doctoral Research Assistant in Applied Sport Science - A Unique Opportunity with Crystal Palace FC

For ambitious researchers passionate about the intersection of academia and elite sport, this Post Doctoral Research Assistant position at Crystal Palace Football Club (CPFC), in collaboration with Edge Hill University, presents a truly exceptional career opportunity. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in high-performance environments and are eager to contribute to cutting-edge, applied research with tangible real-world impact.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Direct Impact in Elite Sport: This is not just theoretical research; it's about embedding yourself within a Premier League football club. You will have the chance to directly influence the training and performance of elite athletes, seeing the immediate results of your work.
• Strategic Academic-Sport Partnership: The role is part of a significant, long-term research investment. This signifies a commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem where academic rigor meets practical application, offering a stable and impactful research environment.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: You will be joining a dynamic network of researchers working across sport performance, health, data science, and innovation. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a rich learning environment and broadens your skillset.
• Diverse Project Scope: The research encompasses monitoring and modelling the training process, with potential to engage with senior men's, senior women's, and academy teams. This variety ensures continuous intellectual stimulation and development.
• Career Development in High-Performance Analytics: With a strong emphasis on quantitative research, data analysis (including wearable technology data), and proficiency in tools like R and Python, this role is ideal for developing expertise in a highly sought-after area of sport science.
• Dissemination and Knowledge Transfer: A key responsibility is disseminating findings to both academic and practitioner audiences. This will hone your communication skills, enabling you to translate complex research into accessible insights for diverse stakeholders.
• Supportive Research Ecosystem: As part of a larger investment in postgraduate research at CPFC, you will be integrated into a growing network of researchers, providing peer support and opportunities for mentorship.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Applied Research Focus: While academic rigor is essential, this role demands an applied approach. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to translate research insights into actionable decision-making within a professional sporting context.
• Quantitative Expertise: A strong foundation in quantitative research methods, statistical analysis, and experience with observational designs is crucial. Familiarity with processing and analyzing data from wearable technology (GPS, IMU, force plates) and video analysis is highly valued.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Success in this role will hinge on your ability to build strong relationships with practitioners and stakeholders at CPFC. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are paramount for thriving in this interdisciplinary environment.
• Data Management Skills: The ability to manage and aggregate diverse data sources efficiently is a core requirement, highlighting the data-intensive nature of the position.
• Location and Travel: The primary work location is the CPFC training ground, with some travel to Edge Hill University. Candidates should be comfortable with this setup and prepared for the associated commute.
• Fixed-Term Contract: The position is a fixed-term contract for 36 months. While offering significant impact and development, candidates should consider their long-term career planning in relation to this timeframe.

This Post Doctoral Research Assistant role is an outstanding platform for an emerging researcher looking to make a significant contribution to the field of applied sport science within the exciting and demanding world of professional football. If you possess the required expertise, a passion for empirical research, and the collaborative spirit to succeed in a high-performance setting, this opportunity offers a rewarding path to advance your career and influence the future of athlete development.