Head of Physiology

NSW Institute of Sport; Sydney; On-site; AUD 142,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) seeks a visionary Head of Physiology to lead the physiology strategy, optimise athlete health and performance across the high-performance pathway, and drive ongoing improvement in sport science practice. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team, translate evidence into practice, and partner with coaches to inform planning and monitoring.

Reporting to the Director, Performance Support, you will shape the long-term physiology program, ensure quality assurance,

Qualifications

• 6+ years in the provision and application of physiology services to high performance athletes.
• Bachelor of Exercise Science, Movement Science or Sports Science; Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
• ESSA Level 1 certification.
• Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain prior to working with NSWIS.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert leadership for NSWIS Physiology team and ensure delivery of innovative, evidence-based physiology services.
• Drive strategic planning, quality assurance, workforce capability and continuous improvement across physiology programs.
• Advise the Executive and Senior Leadership Team on physiology strategy and athlete outcomes.
• Integrate physiology expertise into athlete performance planning, preparation and monitoring.

Skills

Leadership & team development

Strategic planning & problem solving

Stakeholder communication

Sport physiology expertise

Education

Bachelor of Exercise Science / Movement Science / Sports Science

Master's Degree in Sports Science

ESSA Level 1

Working with Children Check

Job description

Join the NSW Institute of Sport – Where exceptional people create exceptional performance

About the role

Lead the strategic direction of Physiology at NSWIS and play a pivotal role in optimising athlete performance, health and long-term development across the high performance pathway. As Head of Physiology, you will provide expert leadership for the NSWIS Physiology team, ensuring the delivery of innovative, evidence-based physiology services that support athletes and coaches to achieve sustained success. You will drive strategic planning, quality assurance, workforce capability and continuous improvement, helping shape the future of physiology services across the Institute. Reporting to the Director, Performance Support, you will provide trusted expert advice to the Executive and High Performance Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, performance planning and initiatives that enhance athlete outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of high performance sport and make a lasting impact on athlete success. This is a full time position, attracting a salary range of $141,777 - $155,069 plus superannuation. The contract period for this role is up to 31 December 2028 in line with the Olympic cycle. This position requires a Working with Children Check. For further information about the role and the key accountabilities please see the job description.

About you

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams within multidisciplinary high performance sport environments.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex performance challenges and design integrated, evidence-informed solutions in collaboration with coaches and performance support practitioners.
• Demonstrated success leading individuals and teams to achieve performance outcomes while contributing to organisational objectives and strategic priorities.
• Experience providing high-quality technical advice, insights and recommendations to senior leaders, coaches and key stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Advanced knowledge and practical expertise in sport physiology, including the operation, application and governance of sport science technologies, systems and testing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence within multidisciplinary performance teams, integrating physiology expertise into athlete performance planning, preparation and monitoring.
• Proven experience developing, implementing and evaluating physiology strategies and programs based on athlete, coach and sport needs, and adapting approaches in response to performance data and evolving requirements.
• Strong understanding of the Australian high performance system and the role of physiology in supporting athlete performance and long-term development.

Essential Requirements

• 6+ years in the provision and application of Physiology services to high performance athletes
• Bachelor of Exercise Science, Movement Science or Sports Science
• Master's Degree in Sports Science
• ESSA Level 1
• Working with Children Check or be willing to obtain this prior to working with us.

Working at NSWIS

The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) is a high performance sporting organisation that supports exceptional athletes and inspires NSW communities. We reach all regions of NSW with an Olympic and Paralympic training facility based at Sydney Olympic Park and high performance hubs across NSW that provide world leading daily training environments. Our experts work in collaboration with national sporting system partners to deliver high performance support services and environments to prepare athletes and coaches for international competition. NSWIS plays an integral part in Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy – Win Well. We are committed to building an inclusive and sustainable sporting system that is athlete focused, exceptionally led and purposefully collaborative. We ensure athlete safeguarding is prioritised and that the integrity of sport is embedded in our organisation.

This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles that may arise over the next 18 months. For more information about the NSW Institute of Sport please visit www.nswis.com.au.

NSWIS is committed child safeguarding. We require all applicants that will work with Children to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.

Commitment to Diversity

The NSW Institute of Sport is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce which reflects our community, sport partners and athletes. We encourage applications from suitable candidates including; of all ages, genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, veterans, refugees, LGBTIQ+ community and people with disability. The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) recognises everyone is unique, and that you may require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply. If we can make some adjustments to the NSWIS recruitment/interview process, then please email [e-mail] and let us know.

If you would like to enquire about the role contact Alex Natera at [e-mail].