Applied Football Research - PhD Studentship

Job Title: Applied Football Research - PhD Studentship

Department: Research & Insights

Reporting: Head of Research & Insights

Location: Training Ground - Jersey Road

Package: UK tuition fees (£5,500) and £19,500 stipend per annum

PLACEMENT TERM: 3 years, full time

THE PLACEMENT:
Several exciting opportunities have arisen to undertake a fully funded applied PhD
studentship in conjunction with the Cardiff Metropolitan University and Brentford Football
Club. The purpose of these roles is to combine postgraduate research with the development
of practitioner based applied sports science skills through assisting in the delivery of the
performance strategy at Brentford FC. The four positions will be for a 3-year period subject
to the satisfactory progress of the individual in the role. Three placements will conduct
research with the first team squad while one placement will be assigned to the Academy.
As part of the performance team, and as a doctoral student, the key responsibilities of this
role are:

• To plan and complete a program of research suitable for a PhD related to football

performance.

• Engage with a program of applied sport science related training associated with the

development of relevant competencies for applied practice within elite football.

• Assist in the delivery of the performance strategy, such as data collection,

management and analysis, development and delivery of on pitch and gym-based
training sessions, regular performance testing, and associated interpretation and
reporting of results. Attendance at selected games and training camps if and when
required.

• To fulfil the academic, professional, and personal requirements associated with the

completion of tasks linked to doctoral level research and the role of a trainee
practitioner in elite football.
The purpose of this PhD is to undertake a series of high-quality studies, which establish a
theoretically informed performance program in elite football, identifying areas to optimise
provision for elite football players. The four research areas will be focussed on the following:
training and match performance demands, strength and conditioning, nutrition and recovery.
THE CANDIDATE:
Job knowledge:

• Sports science, coaching science, and fitness or related experience in elite sport.

Education and Qualifications:

• Essential Bsc in sports science or related field.
• Desirable postgraduate qualification in sport science or related feel.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience of sports science and coaching techniques

in elite sport, preferably football. Experience of engaging with players within an elite
football environment. Ideally within the context of sports science and related
activities.

• Demonstrate activity related to accreditation within a professional body relevant to

sport and exercise science. UKSCA accredited or ability to obtain within six months

Personal Attributes:

• Have previous experience of working in a sports nutrition capacity within elite or

professional sport.

• Engaging personality and able person with the ability to adapt to fresh challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to manage

time effectively and efficiently to achieve all aspects of the role.

• Good team player, and the ability to work on own initiative. Flexible. Approach to

working hours is a must.

Desirable:

A Master’s degree (Msc) with evidence of undertaking empirical research as part of your
studies.
Experience of conducting applied research in football.
Experience of working within professional football or other elite sports.

EQUALITY & INCLUSION:
Brentford Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages
applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, reassignment, religion, or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Candidate must keep up-to-date with new methods and undertake any necessary, internal or external training sessions in accordance with company, policies and procedures.

WHO TO CONTACT:
To discuss the research project please contact Professor Jon Oliver (joliver@cardiffmet.ac.uk)

For questions on the university application process please contact Professor Jon Oliver
(joliver@cardiffmet.ac.uk)

Applications should be sent via e-mail to hpjones@cardiffmet.ac.uk
To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following:
a CV, cover letter and research proposal. The proposal should align to the above themes and include a brief literature review related to the specific project area, with an outline of the studies that you would propose to complete the aims of the PhD programme (maximum 5 pages single spaced).

We can only consider complete applications. The PhD programme application is complete
when you have submitted all of the following:
Your CV
Your cover letter
Your research proposal
Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts
Copy of your passport

The positions will be open until filled.

Fully funded PhD to include all fees paid and stipend provided.

International applicants will receive a fee waiver at the UK fee rate (£5,500) and will be required to self-fund the remaining fees.

The closing date for applications is 17:00 on 30th June 2023.Interviews are likely to take place the week beginning 10th July 2023.
Start date 1st September 2023.