Sports Scientist
Job Description
Sports scientists assist sportspeople to achieve the best possible sporting performance, by applying knowledge and techniques from the areas of medicine, physiology, biomechanics (the study of human movement), motor control and development, nutrition, psychology and physiotherapy/massage.
Duties and Tasks
Sports scientists may perform the following tasks:
- devise treatment and exercise programs that support athletes' preparation and recovery, and assist sportspeople to return to training or competition
- conduct experiments, make observations and interpret data in relation to sporting performances, and communicate findings to officials, athletes, coaches and other support staff
- design or assist in designing training programs for sportspeople to improve sporting performance without causing injury, or to strengthen particular areas of the body
- refer clients to medical and paramedical specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and physiotherapists
- assist with psychological issues of motivation and stress
Personal Requirements
- interest in sport and fitness
- interest in medicine or the sciences
- good observation and problem-solving skills
- able to work with accuracy and attention to detail