First Team Sports Scientist

The Executives in Sport Group; Eastern Province; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Al-Qadsiah Club, based in Saudi Arabia, seeks a First Team Sports Scientist to turn complex data into actionable insights for coaches and performance staff. Working with the data team, you will translate physiological and training information into practical guidance that enhances player availability and team performance.

The role focuses on training load monitoring, data integration, and ongoing research to advance the club’s performance delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in elite sport or professional football.
• Strong knowledge of exercise physiology and training-load management.
• Experience collecting and interpreting football performance data.

Responsibilities

• Lead monitoring of first team training and match loads.
• Produce clear reports on player readiness and performance.
• Collaborate with Data Department to integrate sport science data.
• Develop testing protocols and profiling.
• Support development of dashboards and analytics tools.

Skills

Elite sport environment

Exercise physiology

Training load management

Athlete monitoring

Data analysis

GPS/HR monitoring

English fluency

Education

Master's Degree in Physiology or Sports Science

PhD in Physiology or Sports Science

Accreditation with a relevant professional body

Tools

GPS technology

Heart-rate monitoring

Force plates/VALD systems

Data dashboards/BI tools

Job description

Be Part of a Legacy Bigger Than the Game

At Al-Qadsiah Club we're creating more than teams - we're crafting a legacy that goes beyond the game, making an impact both on and off the field. Driven by ambition, synergy, and innovation, we aim to inspire generations while shaping the future of Saudi sports.

This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something larger than yourself. At Al-Qadsiah, you'll play a key role in shaping our legacy, contributing to the nation's sports vision, and making history every step of the way.

Overview:

Embedded with the performance staff, and working closely with the data team, the First Team Sports Scientist will turn complex data and scientific insight into clear, practical information that coaches can use to make better decisions and improve player and team performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Training Load and Monitoring

• Lead the day-to-day monitoring and analysis of First Team training and match loads, using GPS, heart rate, wellness, testing and other relevant performance data.
• Evaluate and interpret individual and collective training loads to support player availability, performance and injury-risk management.
• Produce clear and actionable reports on player training status, readiness and physical performance.
• Plan and deliver physical performance testing and profiling, ensuring appropriate protocols, accurate data collection and timely feedback to relevant staff.
• Support the development and implementation of a consistent training load and testing framework.

Data Integration

• Work closely with the Data Department to integrate physical performance, training, medical, testing and other relevant football data sources into coherent and accessible performance insights.
• Optimise the collection, processing, transformation and integration of performance data, reducing manual processes and improving data quality and efficiency.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of dashboards, visualisations and reporting tools that enable practitioners and coaches to access relevant information efficiently and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Analyse complex and multi-source datasets to identify trends, patterns and insights relevant to player availability, training load, physical development and performance.
• Support the development and validation of statistical and analytical models that can improve understanding of player readiness, training response, performance and injury risk.
• Support with physical positional profiling and benchmarking within the clubs Game Model

Other

• Identify and evaluate new technologies, methodologies and analytical approaches that can improve the Club's physical performance provision.
• Contribute to the development of the Club's sport science knowledge base through research, literature review and appropriate applied research projects.
• Ensure all continuous professional development and training courses are up to date, and the minimum professional standards of the role are met.
• Further duties and responsibilities as required by the Head of Performance.

Qualifications:

• Masters’s Degree in Physiology, Sports Science or related area
• PhD specialising in Physiology, Sports Science or related area
• Accreditation or registration with a relevant professional body

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Proven experience working with an elite sporting or professional football environment
• Strong understanding of exercise physiology, training load management, physical performance and athlete monitoring
• Experience collecting, processing and interpreting football performance data
• Strong understanding of GPS and heart-rate monitoring technologies
• Experience using physical testing and profiling technologies, such as force plates, VALD and related systems
• Experience integrating data from multiple performance and medical systems
• Experience of dealing with complex datasets, with a proven ability to analyse them and provide actionable insights to colleagues
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of sessions and data quality, adherence, and safety
• Understanding of research methodology and evidence-based practice
• Fluency in English
• Multilingual skills, particularly English, Spanish and Arabic
• Experience within a professional club in the Middle East

Why Join Al-Qadsiah?

Be Part of the Legacy:

Join a club that's redefining the future of Saudi sports, striving to lead the competition and set new standards of excellence.

Experience the Culture:

Thrive in an environment that values quality, accountability, diversity, synergy, innovation, and ambition, while embracing harmony - this is the Qadsiah Way.

Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide specific feedback to unsuccessful applicants.