Sports Performance Scientist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with regular review

Career development opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities and equip.

Comprehensive medical aid and pension

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Sports Performance Scientist to join a premier sports institute in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will design, implement and evaluate sport-specific programs to enhance elite athlete performance across multiple disciplines.

Work with coaches, medical staff and athletes to conduct physiological and biomechanical testing, analyze data, monitor load and recovery, and provide evidence-based recommendations for training optimization and injury prevention.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of practical experience with elite athletes.
• Experience with physiological testing (VO2 max, lactate) and performance monitoring.
• Strong data interpretation skills and proficiency in statistical software.
• Knowledge of training principles, periodization and recovery strategies.
• Excellent communication and ability to explain complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physiological, biomechanical, and performance assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized and team-based training programs.
• Use data analysis to monitor athlete load, recovery and trends.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to coaches and athletes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team for holistic support.
• Educate athletes and coaches on sports science principles.
• Stay current with research and innovations in sports science.
• Contribute to research projects and program evaluation.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on outcomes.
• Assist in selection by providing objective performance data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Communication

Scientific mindset

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science

Tools

GPS systems

Heart rate monitors

Force plates

Video analysis software

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent sports institute dedicated to fostering athletic excellence, is seeking an experienced and innovative Sports Performance Scientist to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA. This role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating sport-specific scientific programs to enhance the performance of elite athletes across various disciplines within the Leisure & Sports domain. The Performance Scientist will collaborate closely with coaches, medical staff, and athletes to provide cutting‑edge support, utilizing advanced physiological and biomechanical testing, data analysis, and evidence‑based interventions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific foundation, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for optimizing human performance in a competitive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive physiological, biomechanical, and performance assessments of athletes.
• Develop and implement individualized and team‑based training programs based on scientific principles.
• Utilize advanced data analysis techniques and technologies to monitor athlete load, recovery, and performance trends.
• Provide evidence‑based recommendations to coaches and athletes on training optimization, injury prevention, and performance enhancement.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, to ensure holistic athlete support.
• Educate athletes and coaches on sports science principles and best practices.
• Stay current with the latest research and innovations in sports science and performance optimization.
• Contribute to research projects and program evaluation initiatives.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on athlete performance and program outcomes.
• Assist in the selection process by providing objective performance data and insights.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of practical experience in applied sports science with elite athletes, preferably in the Leisure & Sports sector.
• Proven experience in physiological testing (e.g., VO2 max, lactate threshold) and performance monitoring using various technologies (e.g., GPS, heart rate monitors, force plates).
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with proficiency in statistical software.
• Excellent understanding of training principles, periodization, and recovery strategies.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts to non‑specialists.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with video analysis software is a plus.
• A strong commitment to ethical research and evidence‑based practice.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary with regular performance reviews and potential for salary growth.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits are included.
• Employees receive generous annual leave and access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and further education support.
• The institute provides access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment.
• This role presents a significant opportunity to contribute to athletic success in Bloemfontein and advance your career in sports science.