Sport Scientist - Women's Team

About Crystal Palace Football Club

Crystal Palace Football Club is a Premier League team with a heritage spanning over 160 years. Operating from three main locations—including the historic Selhurst Park Stadium, a central London office, and a dedicated Training Ground/Academy—the club fosters an energizing and professional environment for both supporters and staff.

With a strong commitment to excellence, professionalism, and a driven work culture, Crystal Palace FC continuously pursues growth, diversity, and team development not only on the field but within its organizational structure.

Role Overview

The Sport Scientist for the Women's team supports Crystal Palace FC’s performance strategy by applying sport science practices to monitor, analyze, and enhance the training and playing conditions of the women’s first team. This role is integral to providing data-informed insights that assist in optimizing player performance and reducing injury risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support the monitoring, profiling, and assessment of physical performance metrics for all players in the women's first team squad.
• Assist in developing and applying monitoring systems to evaluate players’ physical status, contributing recommendations to the multidisciplinary team aimed at injury prevention and performance enhancement.
• Collect and analyze diverse data sets, including technical, tactical, and physical information, and communicate actionable insights to stakeholders.
• Contribute to designing evidence-based protocols facilitating safe return-to-training and return-to-play processes, working closely with the medical team during player reintegration.
• Establish and maintain strong professional relationships across the Medical and Sports Science departments and the wider club network to ensure smooth operational execution.
• Stay informed about the latest advancements in scientific research and technical innovation relevant to applied sports science, ensuring up-to-date best practices within the club.
• Collaborate with Academy Medical and Sports Science teams to support seamless transition of players from academy levels to the women’s senior team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.
• Adhere to and promote the club’s policies, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and Equal Opportunities.

Required Qualifications and Expertise

• Possession of an MSc degree in Sports and Exercise Science or a closely related field.
• Strong foundational knowledge of sports science disciplines and their influence on elite athletic performance.
• Previous practical experience in a sports science applied role, preferably within a high-performance or elite sporting environment.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as RStudio or Python, accompanied by skills in data visualization tools like PowerBI and ggplot.
• Experience supporting scientifically backed assessments, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks.
• Competency in managing data securely and effectively through systems like Smartabase.
• Excellent communication abilities to interact effectively with multiple stakeholders while maintaining professionalism.
• Adaptability to a dynamic work environment with a professional and flexible approach to working hours.
• Strong IT skills, with meticulous attention to detail in record keeping and data management.

Desirable Assets

• Experience conducting laboratory and field performance assessments such as VO2max, lactate threshold, and force-velocity profiling.
• Familiarity with database or cloud-based platforms including SQL, AWS, or Fabric.
• Interest or prior involvement in women's football or elite women’s sports.
• Professional qualifications in Strength and Conditioning (e.g., UKSCA, ASCA, NSCA).
• Accreditation from BASES.

Additional Benefits

• Complimentary entry to match days.
• Access to rewards and discounts via the Tech Scheme and Simple Health app.
• Health and wellbeing support programs.
• 20% discount available in club retail outlets.
• Gym discounts through GymFlex.
• One paid volunteering day annually to support a charity of the employee’s choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan scheme.
• Annual holiday entitlement of 25 days.

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Crystal Palace FC passionately promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued. The club is dedicated to equal opportunity recruitment and ensuring fair access and support for all applicants, including those with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the hiring process.

Safeguarding Policy

Committed to protecting children and vulnerable persons, the club requires background screening and Enhanced DBS checks for this position to ensure safety within its community.