Applied Sports Scientist - RSL

The Utah Royals FC, Real Salt Lake (RSL), and RSL Training Academy are dedicated to the growth and success of soccer in Utah. The Utah Royals FC is committed to empowerment, while RSL represents the state with pride and fosters a winning culture. The RSL Training Academy nurtures young athletes and instills values of discipline and teamwork. Together, they are committed to inspiring the soccer culture of Utah and creating lasting impressions one winning experience at a time.

SUMMARY

The Applied Sport Scientist will play a key role in supporting player performance, health, and rehabilitation for the Club. The primary responsibility is to collect and manage data from all sources, including GPS and other physical testing data. The Applied Sport Scientist will also be required to generate reports and visualizations to communicate trends and recommend interventions in order to enhance player performance and injury prevention. This position requires close collaboration with the medical staff, coaching team, and other performance staff to ensure players safely return to play at their highest potential.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Collaborates with medical staff to manage player rehab and transition to gym-based conditioning and team training.
• Supports on-field training, conditioning, and return-to-play sessions.
• Supports players during training sessions and games with sports science assistance.
• Monitors GPS data and player load during training, working with coaches to prevent injuries.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports GPS and performance data to support player health and performance.
• Proposes data-driven interventions for injury prevention and improving player health.
• Develops and monitors wellness, training load reports, and performance metrics.
• Designs daily, weekly, and monthly training plans and periodization strategies.
• Oversees the physical development of young players, ensuring proper training loads and progression.
• Fosters communication and alignment between sports science, medical, and coaching teams.
• Collaborates with medical staff on injury management and modifies training programs for injured players.
• Educates players on strategies to improve performance.
• Evaluates player performance through testing (workload monitoring, body composition) with input from medical staff.
• Compiles reports required by the league and ensures compliance with league policies and medical protocols.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills in working with players, coaches, medical staff, and league personnel.
• Attends league-required meetings and activities and performs other assigned duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS) certification.
• CPR certification in Basic Life Support.
• Additional recommended certifications: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specializations (NASM-CES), and/or Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with elite-level athletes (i.e., collegiate, professional, Olympic).
• Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field.
• Proven ability in sports science and analytics.
• Experience working with GPS and other monitoring systems.
• Experience handling and analyzing performance data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality, safety, and compliance.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required by team schedule.
• Ability to pass a background check and become safe sport certified.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred Master’s Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field
• Spanish-Bilingual preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job requires regularly lifting/pushing up to 50 pounds, occasional lifting/pushing/exerting heavy force (ability to demonstrate exercises, ability to act as a weightlifting spotter). The job involves running, standing, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, typing, etc.

Real Salt Lake provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and RSL reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description