Sports Scientist

Los Angeles Lakers; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles Lakers seek a Sports Scientist to translate science into performance, overseeing recovery, readiness, and decision-making. You will integrate data from load monitoring, strength diagnostics, and performance tests to guide training, rehab, and RTP decisions.

The role requires 3–5 years in elite sports, with 5–7+ years for leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s/PhD preferred). CSCS, CPSS, or PES are recommended.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, kinesiology or related field required.
• Master’s degree and/or PhD preferred.
• CSCS or CPSS or PES certifications recommended.

Responsibilities

• Build and deliver actionable reports from athlete data to inform training, rehab, and recovery strategies.
• Lead analysis of practice and game data to evaluate player readiness and workload.
• Collaborate with coaching, medical, and performance staff to translate insights into practical recommendations.
• Communicate performance, recovery, and return-to-play guidance to athletes.
• Conduct research to refine RTP processes and integrate evidence-based methods.

Skills

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

CSCS certification

CPSS certification

PES certification

Job description

Department: Performance

Job Title: Sports Scientist

Reports to: Director, Player Performance and Health

Job Type: Full time

Position Overview

The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking a proven sports science leader who can translate science into performance. This role will drive our systems for athlete recovery, readiness, and decision-making—blending performance science, analytics, and collaboration across our basketball operations department.

The optimal candidate will bring expertise to translate data from various sources –such as athlete load monitoring platforms, strength and performance diagnostics, athlete management systems—into action. Our sports scientist must have leadership skills to unite coaches and staff, while demonstrating credibility to earn athlete trust. Our objectives are healthier players, smarter preparation, and a strong competitive edge.

Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities)

* Build and deliver actionable reports from athlete load monitoring platforms, strength diagnostics, and performance testing to inform training, rehab, and recovery strategies.

• Lead the analysis and interpretation of practice and game data to evaluate player readiness, workload, and performance outcomes.
• Partner with coaching, medical, and performance staff to translate sports science insights into clear, practical recommendations that support preparation, availability, and competitive advantage.
• Communicate effectively with athletes to foster trust and ensure understanding of performance, recovery, and return-to-play (RTP) recommendations.
• Conduct applied research and integrate evidence-based methods to refine RTP processes and performance decision-making frameworks.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align data insights with organizational

Education

* Bachelor’s degree (required) in one of the following: Sports Science, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, High/Human Performance, or other related field

• Master’s degree preferred
• PhD preferred

Qualifications And Certifications

• NSCA or equivalent Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) recommended
• NSCA or equivalent Certified Performance & Sport Scientist (CPSS) recommended
• NASM or equivalent Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) recommended

Desired Experience And Expertise

* Minimum: 3-5 years of applied experience in elite/professional sports

• Preferred: 5-7+ years with demonstrated leadership in performance (e.g., designing and leading projects, integrating across medical/performance teams, managing staff)

Location: El Segundo (offices M-F)

The pay range for this role is $110,000 to $120,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience and certifications. In addition to those factors, we consider the relative pay of our current employees in similar positions when making a final offer.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.