Job Title: PhD Studentship – Ball strike load monitoring and injury risk in elite football
Department: Research & Insights
Reporting: Consultant Head of Research & Insights
Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road
Salary: The studentship is offered for three years and provides tuition fees at the UK rate (£5,500) and an annual stipend of £20,780 per year. International students are welcome to apply for this position but should note that they will only receive a fee waiver at the UK rate (£5,500) and will be required to self-fund the remaining fees.
Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.
Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.
The Opportunity
Several exciting opportunities have arisen to undertake a fully funded applied PhD studentship in conjunction with the Cardiff Metropolitan University and Brentford FC. The purpose of these roles is to combine postgraduate research with the development of practitioner-based skills through assisting in the delivery of the performance strategy at Brentford FC. The positions will be funded for a 3-year period subject to the satisfactory progress of the individual in the practical role and PhD. The placements will conduct research across the 1st Team squad and the Academy.
Key responsibilities
To plan and complete a programme of research suitable for a PhD related to football performance.
Engage in a programme of applied sport, and coaching science related training associated with the development of relevant competencies for applied practice within elite football.
Assist in the delivery of the club-based performance strategy, such as data collection, data management and analysis, support 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 programme in elite football, identifying areas to optimise provision for elite football players.
More specific details on each project will be shared with those candidates invited to interview.
Practitioner knowledge:
Sports science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, fitness, or related experience in elite sport.
Sound knowledge and practical experience in elite sport, preferably football. Experience of engaging with athletes/players within an elite sport/football environment. Ideally, this experience should be within the context of sports science, coaching science, fitness, or related activities.
Education and Qualifications
A good Bsc (Hons) in sports science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, or related field is essential.
Desirable: postgraduate qualification in sport science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, or related field.
Demonstrate activity related to the ability to gain accreditation within a professional body relevant to sport and exercise science.
Personal Attributes
Experience of conducting applied research in football or other elite sports.
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.
To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following:
A fully completed application form
Your CV (max 2 pages)
Your cover letter (max 1 page)
Your research proposal (max 2 pages + references)
The proposal should align to one of the offered 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
Note – Any applicants invited to interview will be asked to submit copies of their degree certificates, transcripts and evidence of any other relevant qualifications in advance of the interview.
For any questions about this opportunity, please contact Dr Ryland Morgans at rmorgans@cardiffmet.ac.uk
For questions on the university application process please contact Professor Jon Oliver (joliver@cardiffmet.ac.uk)
Closing Date for Applications: Friday 18 April 2025