Sports Science Researcher

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Development support

Advanced facilities

Conference access

Leadership potential

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape invites a Sports Science Researcher to join our advanced R&D team. The role focuses on pushing sports performance, injury prevention, and athlete well-being through rigorous scientific inquiry.

You will design studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings through publications and presentations, collaborating with athletes, coaches, and other researchers in a supportive, innovation-driven environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral research with strong publication record.
• Experience in research design and data analysis.
• Experience with various physiological and biomechanical measurement techniques.
• Strong ethical understanding in human research.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute sports science research projects.
• Collect, manage, and analyze complex datasets.
• Develop and validate research protocols and designs.
• Interpret findings and translate to practical applications for athletes/coaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with athletes, coaches, and researchers.
• Contribute to grant writing and funding acquisition.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Stay updated on latest advancements in sports science.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns.

Skills

Research design

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Sports Science or related field

Tools

SPSS

R

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering institution in the **Leisure & Sports** sector, is actively seeking a dedicated Sports Science Researcher to join their advanced research and development team in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is integral to pushing the boundaries of sports performance, injury prevention, and athlete well-being through rigorous scientific inquiry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background in sports science, exceptional analytical skills, and a passion for contributing to evidence-based practices in athletics. You will be involved in designing and conducting research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations. This is a remarkable opportunity to work at the forefront of sports science innovation within the **Upington** community and contribute to the broader **Northern Cape** sports landscape. We are committed to fostering a collaborative research environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future of sports science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute scientific research projects related to sports performance, physiology, biomechanics, and injury prevention.
• Collect, manage, and analyze complex datasets using advanced statistical software and methodologies.
• Develop and validate research protocols and experimental designs.
• Interpret research findings and translate them into practical applications for athletes and coaches.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and other researchers.
• Contribute to grant writing and the acquisition of research funding.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with ethical and safety standards.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and research trends in sports science and related fields.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, providing guidance on research methodologies.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in research design, data analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python), and scientific writing.
• Experience with various physiological and biomechanical measurement techniques.
• Strong understanding of ethical considerations in research involving human participants.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects concurrently.
• A genuine passion for sports science research and a commitment to advancing knowledge in the **Leisure & Sports** domain.
• Experience or interest in sports within the **Northern Cape** region is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and research grant opportunities.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous support for professional development, including conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment in **Upington**.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in sports science.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Potential for leadership roles in future research initiatives.