Heart of Midlothian Football Club is a Premiership Scottish Professional Football Club based in Edinburgh with Elite Academy Status. The Club are looking to recruit an Academy Sport Scientist. This is an exciting opportunity to join our forward-thinking and ambitious Performance Department, to deliver a programme of Sport Science support services to both our boys’ and girls’ academy players (U11-U16s).

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and passionate about working with and developing young athletes. Working within an inclusive and supportive working environment, the candidate will have the ability to develop strong working relationships with fellow practitioners, coaches, academy players and parents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work within the parameters of our long-term athletic development framework to help prepare youth players for the physical demands of full-time professional football.
• Maintain a data management system for longitudinal player monitoring adopting a conscientious approach to data entry, judicious interpretation and dissemination of results.
• Design and deliver gym-based training sessions.
• Design and deliver speed, agility, plyometric & conditioning sessions.
• Assist with regular fitness testing and monitoring practices.
• Liaise with and assist our Lead Academy Physiotherapist in the management of players undergoing rehabilitation from injury.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and effective communication pathways with players, coaches, and other members of the Performance Department.
• Facilitate and proactively contribute to applied research projects as directed by the Head of Academy Performance.
• Assist in any other duties, as reasonably required.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Sport Science or related discipline (exceptional final-year students may also be considered).
• Experience of coaching young people in a sporting context.
• Demonstrable steps taken towards UKSCA accreditation e.g., UKSCA associate membership and/or Foundation in S&C workshop attendance.
• Postgraduate degree in Sport Science or related discipline (Desirable).
• UKSCA accredited (Desirable).
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Essential Skills & Abilities:

• Conscientious and committed to attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Critical thinking and analytical mindset.
• Able to operate within a high-pressure working environment and put forward your point of view.
• Honesty, openness and an approachable demeanour.
• Committed to professional development.

The role will have regular contact with children, and it is therefore required by law to have a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland as a condition of employment.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FOOTBALL CLUB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER AND FULLY COMMITTED TO THE SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS. HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN IS A LIVING WAGE ACCREDITED COMPANY.
How to apply
How to apply: If you think that you are suitable for the position and meet the criteria above, please send a Covering Letter and CV to email.