Applied Performance Scientist

Comunidad Lift; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Tigers is seeking an Applied Performance Scientist to lead scalable workload monitoring, integrate data into decision-making, and advance research linking physical preparation to on-field performance. This role collaborates with performance, medical, and coaching staff to ensure consistent, data-informed processes across environments.

The position requires a Master’s in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Data Science or related field and 3+ years of elite athletics experience with NSCA CPSS

Qualifications

• Master’s in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Data Science or related field.
• 3+ years applied Performance Science experience with elite athletes (pro, collegiate or Olympic) with NSCA CPSS or CSCS.
• Extensive experience in workload monitoring, performance testing, and strength & conditioning preferred; data science/mathematics background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of a standardized workload monitoring framework informing athlete readiness and decisions.
• Collaborate across Health and Performance to align physical, mechanical, workload, and performance data for evidence-based decisions.
• Monitor workload trends, flag injury risk or underperformance, support playing time projections, and communicate trends.

Skills

Performance science

Systems thinking

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder alignment

Education

Master’s in Exercise Science / Kinesiology / Data Science

Tools

SQL

R

Python

Job description

The Applied Performance Scientist is responsible for managing scalable workload monitoring frameworks and integrating this data into decision-making workflows across the organization. The position will drive research to better understand and anticipate injury risk, while also advancing applied research that links physical preparation to on-field performance. This role works closely with performance, medical, and coaching staff to ensure consistent, data-informed processes across all environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of a standardized workload monitoring framework that informs athlete readiness and workload decisions, with an emphasis on data interpretation, education, and application across performance, medical, and coaching groups.
• Collaborate across all areas of Health and Performance, including Medical, Rehab, Strength & Conditioning, and Performance Science, to design and maintain integrated processes that align physical, mechanical, workload, and performance information to support consistent, evidence-based decision-making.
• Monitor team and individual workload trends, flag elevated injury risk or underperformance, support playing time projections, and communicate trends proactively.
• Support in-season physical testing and profiling, integrating results with workload and game-demand data, to flag when a player’s capacity and demand don’t match.
• Support player evaluation through physical profiling and benchmarking against positional and level-specific norms, to inform acquisition and development.
• Support injury risk modeling and drive broader research initiatives to improve the organization’s ability to understand, anticipate, and mitigate injury risk.
• Complete ad-hoc analysis and generate reports as directed, deriving applied insights from the data to support development and performance goals across the organization.
• Drive applied research efforts that advance the organization’s understanding of player availability and on-field performance outcomes.
• Monitor emerging best practices and innovations in performance science, integrating relevant advancements to maintain a competitive edge.
• Continuously evaluate and improve internal systems, workflows, and communication to enhance efficiency and impact.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Master’s in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Data Science or related field required.
• 3+ years applied Performance Science experience with elite athletes (pro, collegiate or Olympic) with NSCA CPSS or CSCS.
• Extensive experience in workload monitoring, performance testing, and strength and conditioning preferred; a background in mathematics or data science, particularly modeling, is a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of baseball concepts, with experience working directly with players and coaches.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to align stakeholders and facilitate productive collaboration across departments.
• Strong systems thinking, with experience building efficient workflows that integrate data, technology, and people.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, R, Python).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as the baseball calendar requires.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office environment.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours required.
• Based in Lakeland, FL, or Detroit, MI, with periodic travel.s, or requirements.

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Detroit Tigers.

Detroit Tigersis an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.