Lead Academy Sports ScientistBarnsley FC

As the Lead Academy Sports Scientist, your primary goal is to drive the physical and athletic development of our Academy players, ensuring they reach their full potential both on and off the pitch.

 You will lead the design and implementation of innovative strength and conditioning programs, collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance player wellness and performance, and manage the transition of players to higher levels of competition. Your expertise will be crucial in developing tailored nutrition strategies, monitoring player progress through advanced data analysis, and ensuring the holistic development of our young athletes. Ultimately, your role is to foster a high-performance environment that prepares our players to excel at the highest levels of professional football.

Specific tasks & responsibilities

 

• Innovative Strength & Conditioning Programs: Design and manage cutting-edge gym and pitch-based strategies for all Academy age groups. 
• Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD): Implement and oversee the LTAD Plan tailored for each age group. 
• Collaborative Teamwork: Work seamlessly within a multi-disciplinary team to ensure holistic player development. 
• Player Wellness & Rehabilitation: Liaise with medical staff to monitor player status, wellness, and rehabilitation progress. 
• Nutrition Strategies: Develop and deliver tailored nutrition plans to optimize player performance. 
• Performance Management: Update and manage the Performance Clock (PMA) for individual and group tasks. 
• First Team Support: Assist the First Team Sports Science & Medicine department with player transitions into Development squads. 
• Lead Physical Performance for U18/21: Oversee physical performance support of U18/21s, including:
• On-field duties: Warm-ups and session implementation alongside coaches. 
• Match day duties: Warm-ups and support for coaches and players. 
• Strength Training: Periodised strength work within the gym. 
• Individualized Training: Tailor training programs to individual needs. 
• Recovery Protocols: Implement effective recovery strategies. 
• Wellness Monitoring: Track daily wellness and training workloads. 
• Data Analysis: Interpret workload, GPS, and HR data. 
• Departmental Leadership: Ensure continuous provision during the absence of the Academy Manager and/or Head of Performance. 
• Whole-Club Approach: Undertake any other tasks relevant to the holistic development of the club. 
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Engage in CPD activities organized by the Club and other providers. 
• This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and the post holder is also required to undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the lead physiotherapist or any other senior leader/director within the club, appropriate to the level of the post. 

About The Candidate

Essential: • BSc/BA in Sports Science (or other relevant discipline) from a recognised university. • Basic First Aid for Sport (BFAS) or equivalent/higher qualification. • Clear enhanced DBS check.

Desirable: • MSc/MRes/MPhil in Sports Science (or other relevant discipline) from a recognised university (or willingness to work towards) • Registered or working towards accreditation with BASES or an equivalent governing body. • Have attended the following workshops run by the UKSCA: (i) Foundation Workshop & Certification; (ii) Weightlifting; (iii) Plyometric Agility & Speed; and (iv) Planning Effective Programmes.