Applied Performance Science Technician - Tennessee Athletics - UTK

The Applied Performance Science Technician will direct, analyze, interpret, and communicate athlete-performance and athlete-product assessment findings to inform University performance initiatives and Adidas innovation, product-development, and product-selection activities. This position will manage and execute approved data collection, analysis, and reporting related to physical, physiological, kinematic, biomechanical, and athlete-product assessments within the University partner’s sports medicine, sports science, and sports performance departments. This position is responsible for applying approved assessment metrics, data-quality practices, and analytical methods to promote accurate, consistent, and efficient research, development, and athlete-product assessment activities while also serving as a cross-functional Sport Science team member who translates complex scientific information into clear, evidence-based insights for technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

• Plan, schedule, set up, and direct approved in-laboratory biomechanical baseline-screening assessments of NCAA athletes, using force plates, foot scanners, timing gates, and other appropriate technologies.

• Evaluate the quality, completeness, relevance, and consistency of collected data; identify findings that require clarification or follow-up; and resolve routine data-quality and operational issues within approved methodologies.

• Analyze and interpret athlete-assessment results and develop individualized athlete-assessment reports that synthesize relevant findings, trends, and considerations for athletes, coaches, and appropriate University stakeholders.

• Explore intra- and inter-sport performance trends; evaluate analytical approaches within approved methods; and synthesize conclusions and evidence-based recommendations that support approved research and development activities.

• Support University programs and departments by translating athlete-performance and athlete-product findings into sports-science insights that increase understanding of athlete performance and athlete-product interactions.

• Manage laboratory equipment and devices required for athlete and athlete-product assessments, including ensuring equipment is available, operational, and ready for approved testing activities.

• Develop clear, concise, results-based technical reports and presentations that translate complex scientific information into actionable insights for technical and nontechnical audiences, as approved by the University.

• Plan, schedule, set up, and direct approved on-field athlete assessments and product-testing activities, including video recordings and wearable-sensor data collection.

• Evaluate and interpret on-field athlete and athlete-product assessment findings to identify relevant trends, considerations, and follow-up needs.

• Integrate and align approved Adidas Athlete Performance data-innovation initiatives within University athletics programs and coordinate assessment activity with participating University stakeholders.

• Contribute sports-science analysis and technical perspective to the strategic direction of the Adidas Innovation team and immediate Athlete Performance team.

• Analyze athlete and athlete-product assessment findings to evaluate product-related considerations and provide evidence-based technical recommendations supporting Adidas innovation, product-development, and product-selection activities.

• Prepare technical reports that synthesize relevant findings and trends for University performance teams and appropriate Adidas stakeholders.

• Plan, schedule, set up, and direct approved in-laboratory baseline and advanced footwear product-testing activities.

• Analyze and interpret footwear product-testing findings; assess data quality and completeness; and identify results requiring clarification or follow-up.

• Prepare concise, timely technical updates and reports for Adidas Innovation regarding athlete-assessment status and athlete-product project, research, and partnership activity.

• Communicate assessment findings, technical recommendations, and project status clearly to support shared understanding among University and Adidas stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Sports Science, or relevant field of study.
• Experience: 2 years of experience in a research or physical, physiological, kinematic, or biomechanical testing setting. Relevant experience in a clinical setting or in connection with a master’s or doctoral degree will be considered.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
  • Knowledge of science and technology with a passion for making insights into the field of sport
  • Ability to translate insights from working with athletes and athletic teams
  • Ability to understand scientific and complex information, and communicate this to technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to educate and train colleagues by sharing knowledge on an on-going basis
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and within a team atmosphere
  • Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively, cooperate well, and to develop and maintain relationships
  • Ability to plan working time efficiently, balancing short term tasks with long-term goals
  • Demonstrate analytical skills, as well as the ability to be solution-driven and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Data Science, Sports Science, or relevant field of study. Ph.D. in Data Science, Sports Science, or relevant field of study.
• Experience: Experience working in an NCAA or professional sports program with sports science, sports performance, or sports medicine. Experience as an NCAA or professional athlete.

Work Location 

• Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: 08
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of 3 Professional References

About Tennessee Athletics 

Tennessee Athletics Mission, Vision & Core Values

Mission: To lead the way forward in all aspects of college sports

Vision: Deliver an unparalleled student-athlete experience fueled by the relentless pursuit of comprehensive excellence; be bold and innovative in our approach to recruiting and developing well-rounded graduates, championship-driven competitors and world-changing leaders.

Core Values: Vols lead through…
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  » Inclusive Preeminence
  » Honesty and Integrity
  » Competitive Excellence
  » Holistic Health and Well-Being
  » The Power of Vol Nation