Sports Scientist

About the San Jose Earthquakes:

The San Jose Earthquakes have a mission to establish our home as the epicenter of American soccer by uniting Northern California with big dreams, big hustle, and big impact.

About the Position:

The Sport Scientist utilizes player health and performance data with the goal of supporting player health and safety and improving performance on the field. The Sports Scientist will leverage knowledge within the sports science, data science, and data visualization fields to facilitate conversations, create insights and develop programming for players in the performance, injury prevention, medical, and return to play areas.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: collecting and presenting data pertaining to player health and performance; conducting testing; and managing and integrating performance and medical datasets.

This role must work under the supervision of the Club Chief Medical Officer and collaborate with the Athletic Training Staff as it relates to Player Health and Safety (as defined by the Club CMO) and comply with all League Policies and Protocols.

Who You Are:

We are looking for people that want to hustle big.

• Hustle: Having the desire to authentically connect people, willing to always show up for our fans, and having an innate pride in their work.
• Big: Devoted to quality in all aspects of the job, not afraid to swing big, and own the result.

Educational Experience:

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science/Sports Science or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or higher in sports science or a related field.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, utilizing sports science technologies (e.g., GPS, Optical Tracking, Internal Load Monitoring), Physiologic Testing, Strength/Power testing equipment, and current Athlete Monitoring System (AMS) platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and data visualization platforms.

Licensure or Certifications:

• Minimum: Certified Performance Sports Scientist (CPSS) certification by NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
• CPR and AED certification
• HIPAA compliant Course and Health Information Certification.
• Preferred: GDPR compliance certification.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification by NSCA and/or Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification by the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a sports environment, preferably with soccer, at an elite level (collegiate, professional, Olympic).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using a variety of media with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, Data Science Skill sets (collecting, cleaning, filtering, analyzing, visualizing and presenting data), knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry best practices.
• Preferred: Experience with industry-standard data visualization and management systems

Responsibilities:

• Work in collaboration with the Medical and Physical Performance Staff and under the supervision of the CMO, Dir. Of Health and Performance, and Head of Physical Performance
• Manage all incoming sports science data streams including GPS and Player Wellness Screenings
• Manage all in-training/game tracking and other data streams; and develop reporting structures around data collection.
• Collaborate with Club Physical Performance and Medical Staff in the designing and administering of individualized pre-training activation protocols and in-season strength training sessions.
• Educate and counsel players regarding strategies to improve performance as educated.
• Manage, design, and implement weight room physical testing protocols as educated.
• Evaluate player performance through performance testing, workload monitoring, and other team-specific metrics as educated.
• Design, modify and apply assessment protocols and methods to analyze the demands of the sport and the capabilities of the players.
• Provide feedback to players and staff regarding all sports science data collected.
• Collaborate with the Club Physical Performance and Medical Staff to perform activation/regeneration sessions as needed.
• Coordinate the implementation of Physical Performance and Medical technologies:
  • GPS Practice/Match-Day On-field tracking
    • Handle all daily logistics and hardware.
    • Coordinate load management strategies and recovery with nutrition, strength & conditioning, and Club Medical Staff.
    • Collaborate with Club Analytics relative to data and its impact on performance and injury risk.
    • Coordinate loading goals in return to play scenarios
  • Wellness and Screening
    • Develop protocols relative to wellness and player screenings testing designed to manage player readiness and identify individual player concerns relative to fatigue.
    • Manage testing and strength protocols.
    • Utilize player screenings in return to play scenarios.
  • Strength Training
    • Provide Physical Performance with weight room reports relative to strength and power metrics.
    • Utilize weekly force and power metrics during lifting sessions to manage player readiness and identify individual player concerns relative to fatigue.
    • Provide progress reports relative to player development, gains in strength, power, lean body mass, and improvements in speed.
  • Assist in the integration of data and performance metrics into team athlete management systems. Include:
    • GPS Tracking Information
    • Strength, Power, and Speed metrics
    • Forcedecks, Norboard, and Groinbar
    • Body weight and body composition
• Assist Physical Performance staff in aspects of the Strength & Conditioning program.
• Support the Club Physical Performance and Medical Staff with performing all on-field warmups for team training sessions when required.
• Support the Club Physical Performance and Medical Staff with end-stage rehab sessions when required.
• Maintain the appearance and organization of equipment in the weight facility, as well as educate and enforce weight room rules.
• Attend team/staff meetings.
• Participate in activities/meetings/programs as required by MLS.
• Comply with all MLS Medical Manual and policies and procedures.
• Document in the League Electronic Medical Record System

Salary: $68,000-$80,000 annually

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.