ROLE DESCRIPTION

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Academy at Watford Football Club.
We are currently looking to recruit a Professional Development Phase (PDP) Academy Sports Scientist. The successful candidate will work as part of a multi-disciplinary support team delivering scientific support to academy players and coaches.
Duties will involve:

To design and deliver a scientifically robust fitness testing, physiological, and training load monitoring system across all academy age groups. Providing relevant, appropriate feedback to players, coaches, and parents and / or guardians in a time efficient manner with the primary focus being on health, wellbeing and performance enhancement.
To deliver a scientifically, age-appropriate sports nutrition support programme for all academy players.
To work with academy coaches to understand and integrate their philosophy within the delivery of scientific and strength and conditioning support.
Ability to work weekends, evenings and unsociable hours.
To lead the design and delivery of relevant sport science education programmes that educate players, coaches, and parents and / or guardians. Where appropriate identify and facilitate appropriate communication methods, including workshops and seminars.

The role will be based at the club training ground in London Colney and will primarily be working with the PDP squad but may include working across all Academy ages (U9s to U21s at times).
The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a team, be enthusiastic, hardworking, and be flexible to the requirements of the position and the business.
Applicants should ideally live local to Watford and London Colney or the surrounding areas and be a UK resident or non-UK resident with a valid UK work permit, and ideally have experience working within a similar role.
Essential:

BSc in Sport and Exercise Science or a sports related discipline.
FA First Aid (EFAiF).
FA Safeguarding Certificate.
Experience of working in a sport science setting with elite young athletes.
Experience of working in a football academy setting.
Be able to work effectively in a team environment and operate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary support team.
Valid full UK driving licence due to the driving requirement of the role, between all sites and other stadiums.
Understanding of the club commitment to EDI & Safeguarding.

Desirable:

MSc in Sport Science / Strength & Conditioning or a related field.
BASES accreditation or working towards chartered scientist status.
UKCA accreditation or working towards.
Excellent communication and time-management skills.
Ability to anticipate and prioritise workloads.