Academy Physical Performance Scientist

West Ham United FC; West Virginia; On-site; USD 43,000 - 67,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension and life insurance

Healthcare cash scheme

Travel season ticket loan

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

West Ham United is seeking an Academy Physical Performance Scientist to translate data into actionable insights for player development within the Football Science & Medicine department at The Academy of Football.

The role focuses on developing performance science systems, managing data, and informing coaching decisions to improve academy players’ physical preparation and rehabilitation, with occasional travel to Chadwell Heath and Rush Green.

Qualifications

• BSc in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent proficiency in Excel, Power BI and/or R, with strong data management and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings through clear reports and visualisations.
• Understanding of performance science, strength and conditioning, player monitoring and physical profiling.

Responsibilities

• Data Management and Technology: Manage and improve databases, automate processes and maintain accurate, secure performance data systems.
• Analytics and Reporting: Create dashboards, visualisations, reports, benchmarks and KPIs to inform coaching and performance decisions.
• Player Monitoring: Support GPS, wellness, response-to-load monitoring, physical profiling, training and match-demand analysis.
• Growth and Maturation: Develop growth and maturation systems and reports tailored to players’ maturity and individual needs.
• Testing and Rehabilitation: Support physical and rehabilitation profiling, testing equipment maintenance and system audits.
• Research and Innovation: Contribute to research projects, annual reports and initiatives that improve Academy practice.
• Collaboration and Education: Work with physical development coaches, performance scientists, medical staff and the wider multidisciplinary team, sharing insights and supporting staff development.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

R

Data management

Analytics

Communication

Collaboration

Education

BSc in a relevant discipline

Tools

GPS data systems

Job description

West Ham United | Academy Physical Performance Scientist

Join us to turn data into timely decisions that improve player performance and development. Are you highly skilled in data analytics, passionate about sports science and ready to make an impact in academy football?

West Ham United is looking for a technically proficient and analytical Academy Physical Performance Scientist to join our Football Science & Medicine department at The Academy of Football. This is an opportunity to use your expertise in data, technology and performance science to support player development, inform coaching decisions and help improve performance across our Academy. If you enjoy turning complex data into meaningful insights and want to contribute to the development of future football talent, we’d love to hear from you!

The Role at a Glance

• Contract: Casual
• Hours: As required by the role
• Department: Football Science & Medicine
• Reports to: Lead Physical Performance Scientist
• Locations: Chadwell Heath and Rush Green Training Grounds, with occasional travel
• Qualification: BSc in a relevant discipline
• Professional accreditation: CASES accreditation, or ability to achieve within twelve months
• Interviews: In person, week commencing 16th or 23rd November 2026

What You’ll Be Doing

Working alongside experienced practitioners, you’ll develop and manage performance science systems that translate data into practical insights to support player development and multidisciplinary decision-making.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Data Management and Technology: Manage and improve databases, automate processes and maintain accurate, secure performance data systems.
• Analytics and Reporting: Create dashboards, visualisations, reports, benchmarks and KPIs to inform coaching and performance decisions.
• Player Monitoring: Support GPS, wellness, response-to-load monitoring, physical profiling, training and match-demand analysis.
• Growth and Maturation: Develop growth and maturation systems and reports tailored to players’ maturity and individual needs.
• Testing and Rehabilitation: Support physical and rehabilitation profiling, testing equipment maintenance and system audits.
• Research and Innovation: Contribute to research projects, annual reports and initiatives that improve Academy practice.
• Collaboration and Education: Work with physical development coaches, performance scientists, medical staff and the wider multidisciplinary team, sharing insights and supporting staff development.

You’ll help ensure performance science has a measurable impact on player development, physical preparation and rehabilitation, while supporting efforts to improve physical qualities and minimise time‑loss non-contact injuries.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• A BSc in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent proficiency in Excel, Power BI and/or R, with strong data management and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings through clear reports and visualisations.
• Understanding of performance science, strength and conditioning, player monitoring and physical profiling.
• Knowledge of growth and maturation, training and game demands and responses to load monitoring.
• Strong communication, organisation and attention to detail.
• A collaborative, professional and proactive approach.
• Initiative, problem‑solving skills and a commitment to research and continuous development.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and GDPR.
• Willingness to complete relevant CPD, professional qualifications and required Premier League and FA training.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who can turn data into actionable recommendations that make a real difference to practice.

Why West Ham United?

Join a Club committed to excellence, high standards and developing talented players and people through The West Ham Way. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to an ambitious Academy environment, collaborate with experienced practitioners and help shape evidence-informed approaches to player performance and development.

We Expect All Colleagues To Demonstrate Our Values

• Hardworking – Striving for excellence and consistently delivering high standards.
• Exciting – Embracing innovation, creativity and new ideas.
• Attitude+ – Showing initiative, humility and a desire to improve.
• Respect – Treating everyone fairly and valuing different perspectives.
• Togetherness – Collaborating and putting players and the team first.

All colleagues must uphold the Club’s safeguarding, health and safety, equality and compliance policies, follow safeguarding reporting procedures, and complete all required checks and training.

Ready to Make an Impact

Bring your technical expertise, analytical mindset and passion for football to West Ham United and help turn performance science into meaningful progress on the pitch.

Join the team behind the performance. Come on You Irons!

Benefits on offer

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events

EDI Statement

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination‑free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.
• Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well‑being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.
• The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club’s Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.