Careers in sport science and engineering
A traditionally held perception of the world of sport is that it is only the star players and athletes who can make living from the industry. Of course the reality is that there are a myriad of career opportunities encompassing virtually every type, and that those star player and athletes represent just a tiny fraction of the big machine. Two particular career paths that have been rapidly gaining popularity and widespread recognition are those of the sports scientist and the sports engineer.
Science and technology underpins the world of sport; it has dramatically changed the playing field, often allowing players to push their limits and sometimes causing controversy. Top athletes and intermediates alike are able to consult experts in nutrition, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation and even psychology to help them to raise their game. Equally, manufacturers of sporting goods are constantly looking for new innovations and cutting edge engineering to help them to gain a larger share of the market. There are clear, exciting and lucrative opportunities for the technically minded who wish to take advantage of this modern sporting world.
Study at university is the gateway to becoming a sports scientist or engineer. A great many universities offer degree programmes in sports science and its associated disciplines. Being good a sport is not a pre-requisite, however, a good aptitude for science is essential. You may study biomechanics, anatomy, exercise physiology and sports psychology and you’ll certainly have to develop analytical skills and expertise in scientific enquiry.
There are approximately 30,000 graduates in sports science every year and although the job market is buoyant, graduates often experience difficulty in landing that first dream job. Many individuals choose to enhance their expertise and chances in a competitive job market by studying for a Masters degree. Ultimately, as with any career path, the success of the individual will reflect their motivation and determination to succeed.
The sports engineer requires expertise in many technical skills; from mechanical design to aerodynamics, material science to computer modelling. Most of these skills are very similar to those of a mechanical engineer; indeed many successful sports engineers take their first degree in mechanical engineering. However, there are now over 20 different universities in the UK that offer specific degree programmes in sports engineering or sports technology. These degree programmes equip the student with both general engineering skills and the essential experience of sporting case studies.
The job market for sports engineers is highly competitive and companies will always try to employ graduates with the best academic and work experience records. Careers rarely take anticipated directions and so it is always wise to make sure that your options are left open. A sports technology degree may give you a chance at getting that dream job with the likes of Adidas or Nike, but in choosing that degree over mechanical engineering course, some doors to the traditional engineering industries will be closed. It can be a difficult decision for prospective students, but as with any industry, what the sports companies are really looking for are people with strong characters who will make the most out of each and every opportunity.
Dr David James, Senior Outreach Manager, Sheffield Hallam University
Job vacancies
Posted 20 November 2008 - Senior Research Officer - (Ref HE08/3) - Staffordshire Uiversity (Stoke campus)
£29,138 - £33,779 per annum (pay award pending)
The Biomechanics team within the Faculty of Health has established itself as a major player in delivering courses, research and consultancy services in the area of foot and footwear biomechanics. We are currently seeking a Science or Engineering graduate, preferably with a PhD, with strong problem solving skills and good communication skills who can work well within a small inter-disciplinary team and can collaborate strongly with other research groups and interface with industrial partners across Europe.
You will be expected to develop mathematical models of foot and footwear and conduct theoretical and practical biomechanical assessment of new prototype footwear. Experience of conducting research in Higher Education in areas related to human performance/biomechanics is essential for this role. Postgraduate level teaching experience and knowledge of health related policy and initiatives would also be highly desirable. As the candidate will have an opportunity to work with research partners across Europe, this post would be particularly suitable for a candidate who has just completed their PhD and would like to embark on a research career.
This full-time post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of two years and is subject to a satisfactory CRB check.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Telephone: 01782 294019 or Email: n.chockalingam@staffs.ac.uk
For an application form and further details, please visit our website www.staffs.ac.uk/jobvacancies. Alternatively please email jobs@staffs.ac.uk or telephone 01782 292762 quoting reference HE08/3. Please note that CVs will only be accepted in support of a fully completed application form.
Closing date for completed applications: 1 December 2008
As an inclusive organisation committed to equality and diversity, we encourage applications from all sections of the community
Employment benefits include; final salary pension scheme, flexible employment options and generous annual leave entitlement
Posted 2 October 2008 - PhD Research Studentship - Reference SF021008 - Loughborough, UK
A PhD studentship is available in the Sports Technology Research Group (STRG) of the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University. The three year studentship will commence in January 2009 with a tax-free stipend of £13,500 per annum together with tuition fees for EU students.
Loughborough is a progressive and distinctive University with a proud tradition of being research-intensive. It has recently been coveted with the Sunday Times University of the Year award, and has been shown through successive National Student Surveys, excellent league tables and an unbeaten six Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, to be one of the UK’s leading Higher Education Institutions. The STRG has been active since 1986 and has an international reputation for the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sports equipment, footwear and apparel. The Group has a strong track record in securing public and private sector funding (circa £1M p/a) and earlier this year rehoused to the new £15M Sports Technology Institute which includes prestigious laboratory facilities.
The development of robot simulators has been a significant feature of STRG research and the Institute currently boasts several world leading machines and associated instrumentation. Similarly, the Group has significant expertise in the testing and development of athletic footwear and sports surfaces. This PhD is aimed at developing a state of the art industrial robot as a biofidelic footwear testing system. The research will involve gaining a hands-on understanding of the robotic control system and how it may be applied to simulate the biomechanics of the human footstrike. The development of suitable end effectors to replicate the human foot, assessment of the biofidelity of the robot, and its performance capabilities in comparison to existing industrial footwear testing devices will form a significant part of the research.
Applicants must possess a first class or good upper second class degree in Engineering, the Physical Sciences or a related field. Strong laboratory skills and experience in the following areas would be advantageous: robot simulators, engineering design, computer programming, biomechanics. You must be able to work as part of a large, multidisciplinary team, have highly effective verbal and written communication skills and should be conversant with research methods.
The research student will be supervised by Dr Steph Forrester, Dr Paul Leaney, Dr Andy Harland and Prof. Roy Jones. For informal discussions, please contact Dr Steph Forrester at s.forrester@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone at +44 (0)1509 564824.
For an application pack and details of admission requirements, please contact:
Ms J R Mason,
Research Administrator,
Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,
Loughborough University,
e-mail: J.R.Mason@lboro.ac.uk
Please quote ref# SF021008 on any correspondence.
The closing date for applications is Friday 31st October 2008.
Posted 17 September 2008 - British Swimming, Performance Scientist - Bath, Stockport, Swansea, UK
Salary: £25,827 - £30,841 or £34,268 - £45,460 per annum
Depending on the skills and experience of the applicant (plus contributory pension)
Hours: All Hours Worked Contract
Applications are invited for the exciting new posts of Performance Scientist.
The main focus of these roles is to work with the British Swimming coaches and other support staff to create a seamless, integrated, world class support service, which positively impacts on swimmer performance, in both daily training and national team environments. The successful applicants will be expected to adopt a problem solving approach, as opposed to a discipline specific one, focused on working with the coaches to enhance competitive swimming performance in a manner that is guided but not constrained by the scientific process.
This will assist British Swimming in their success for 2012 and also to ensure the legacy and talent pathway continues beyond 2012. These roles have been created to continue our passion for performance excellence and our strive for continuous professional development.
The successful Performance Scientists will have a postgraduate qualification most likely from the physical sciences and be able to show evidence of using creative solutions to solve performance problems. They will also require the ability to develop, expertise and skills across a range of different disciplines, based on the requirements of the sport. British Swimming would welcome applicants with a sports technology/engineering background.
To obtain full information about these positions and an application form please contact our 24 hour employment line on 01509 618703, download an application pack from our website www.britishswimming.org, e-mail personnelservices@swimming.org or write to The Personnel Department, British Swimming, 39 Granby Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 3DU.
British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming and its associated disciplines in Great Britain with its headquarters situated in the centre of Loughborough.
The closing date for applications is: Friday 26 September 2008
British Swimming is committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
Posted 28 August 2008 - PhD Research Studentship (3 year full-time, UK/ EU Student) - Loughborough University, UK
Sustainable Drainage Management for Outdoor Sports Surfaces
Background
Synthetic sports surfaces have sub-soil drainage systems to clear rainwater to ensure maximum usage. Although the presence of the pitch does not create any more surface water in the area, it is perceived that rate that the water enters the local drainage system increases and requires significant attenuation.
However in many cases large and expensive drainage attenuation tanks are required as a planning condition of new pitch and track developments. The cost of such systems can be prohibitive. This research will establish the extent of the attenuation provided by current pitch/surface systems, to optimise the design of the attenuation provision required. In addition it is proposed that a small study within this work will evaluate run-off water quality, especially for artificial pitches. If designs can be optimised this will result in significant savings to developers, funding bodies, clubs, and the industry at large. The research will further inform the debate on appropriate water management and sustainability, providing up to date field data to allow the publication of a code of practice for the design of surface water drainage from sports pitches.
Project Aim
To produce design guidance for sustainable drainage solutions for natural and synthetic turf pitches, in accordance with the latest requirements of SUDS and the future impact of climate change.
Project Objectives
- Review of related current guidance and research findings.
- Evaluate existing systems for drainage behaviour, with a focus on the potential attenuation of systems with differing surface types (i.e. sport specific), including assessment of base-works, subgrade and drainage collection systems.
- Evaluate water quality and environmental impact of pitch irrigation/drainage.
- Make recommendations for specific design guidance for natural and synthetic turf surfacing systems for future installations.
- Disseminate the outcomes widely to architects, designers, planning control officers, local authorities and the sports construction industry in general.
Suitable Candidates:
Candidates with a 2.1 degree or better in a science, environmental or engineering disciplines are encouraged to apply. A Masters degree in a relevant subject and / or relevenat practical/industry experience in appropriate field would be an advantage.
The successful applicant must be eligible for UK/EU funding, and will receive an annual tax free stipend of circa £13k plus tuition fees. Students are normally registered for an MPhil with Phd transfer after successful completion of year one.
Further information about the post can be found at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/cv/research/funding.html
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Paul Fleming (01509-222616) p.r.fleming@lboro.ac.uk or Dr Matthew Frost, (01509 228306) m.w.frost@lboro.ac.uk in the first instance.
Applicants should apply through the University Research Office following standard university procedure 15th September 2008. see http://www.lboro.ac.uk/prospectus/pg/apply/index.htm
Posted 28 August 2008: PhD Studentship Award in ‘Optimising Oar Blade Design in Rowing, using Computational Fluid Dynamics’ - School of Sport & Exercise Sciences - University of Birmingham, UK
Dr Trevor Gardner invites applications for a PhD Studentship Award that will investigate optimising oar blade design using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The proposed study will use either a quasi-static model or a dynamic model to investigate the flow of fluid around different oar blades and to determine why some blade designs are more effective than others in developing propulsion. It is further proposed that an oar blade is designed that is more efficient at developing propulsion than existing commercially available blades. The data from the CFD models will be used as input to the rowing mechanics model to determine the effect of blade design improvements on boat performance. Additionally, three improvements will be made to the mechanical model to enhance its predictive accuracy. The first will be to include the forces of rotational inertia of the oar shaft, and to develop the model so that oar handle forces may be used to drive the model rather than blade forces. The second will be to incorporate the kinematics of the rower, so that changes in rower technique may be investigated to determine its affect on boat performance. The third will be to develop a graphics front end to the mechanical model to make it user-friendly for third year undergrad students to use for their project work and to enable input of the CFD data on blade performance. Ideally, the candidate will have a keen interest in the mechanics and dynamics of rowing and will have developed knowledge at undergraduate level of mechanics, dynamics, computing and CFD. They will have a general curiosity and willingness to learn new skills (in computer modelling using Matlab and CFD using Fluent), and the wish to pursue an academic career (i.e., you would like to become a lecturer and/or researcher). More specific details about the project can found by emailing Dr Trevor Gardner (t.gardner@bham.ac.uk)
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham provides an excellent infrastructure and intellectually stimulating environment that supports high quality research. As part of the School's commitment to research excellence, it is offering several PhD Studentship awards this year. The awards are for three years and have an approximate annual value of £8000 plus fees (note that the scholarships only cover EU student fees due to funding constraints). The starting date is aimed at October 2008, although programmes of study commencing at a later date will be considered in exceptional circumstances. We require that applicants have a good Honours degree (at least 2.1 or equivalent) and an English qualification (e.g., GCSE, IELTS etc.). Applications to the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, should be completed on-line at: http://www.bham.ac.uk/application/.
The closing date for the application is the 30th October 2008.
General enquiries should be directed to Dr. M. Edwards, Postgraduate Admissions Tutor (M.Edwards.1@Bham.ac.uk) or to Val Queeley, Admissions Secretary (tel: 0121 414 4115). Please visit our website for more details: http://www.sportex.bham.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd.htm
Posted 6 August 2008: 2 Research Associate posts - Sports Technology - Loughborough University UK
This is an exciting opportunity for two high calibre researchers to work on a UK Sport funded project. You will be joining a vibrant research group, conducting world-leading research within the Sports Technology Institute.
The successful candidates will have an outstanding educational profile, complemented by relevant work experience. In addition to excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, you will have expertise in Engineering, Design or a similar discipline.
Your responsibilities will include designing and testing innovative equipment to enhance the training, monitoring and performance of Paralympic athletes.
Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a completed University application form.
Closing date: Friday 22 August
Please click here for further details and application form
Posted 18 July 2008: Engineering Research Internship - adidas Innovation Team
The adidas Innovation team is currently looking for engineers wishing to gain work experience in the sports industry through an internship program. The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated teams working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation. The team is based out of two offices: Herzogenaurach, Germany and Portland, USA. As an Innovation team intern you will be an active member of the Engineering group and you will experience a genuine opportunity to use your engineering competence to contribute towards advanced company projects. Main duties will include concept development, prototyping, computational simulation, materials and geometry optimisation, mechanical and field testing.
Education & Skills:
Graduated in Mechanical Engineering or similar degree. High levels of spoken and written English are essential. Good working knowledge and experience of CAE and FE applications as well as MS Office are preferred. Genuine passion for the technical aspects of sport and a desire to apply engineering to sports products.
The internship is for a consecutive period of six to twelve months and is open to all nationalities. Start dates are flexible and interviews are conducted throughout the year. Previous applicants need to indicate their continued availability for the post. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. To apply please send detailed CV (or Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position. To: Dr Tim Lucas, adidas Innovation Team / Engineering, Adi-Dassler-Str. 1-2, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, Email: tim.lucas@adidas.com MS word attachments only.
Posted 11th June 2008 - Product Design/Development Manager - ProZone Sports Ltd, Leeds, UK
Salary: Negotiable / Consumate to experience
Job Type: Permanent
ProZone are leaders in providing match analysis products and services to sports organisations worldwide through delivering ‘best practice’ performance insights. ProZone have several technologies that enable the capture of performance affecting information. Data is captured from either standard video sources or via a set of installed cameras and provided to the customer via software application. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Product Design/Development Manager to join the business and play a pivotal role in delivering ProZone’s future product strategy.
Role
The Product Design/Development Manager is responsible for all current product development activities and the roll out of future products relevant to the market place. Reporting to the Head of Technology and Product Strategy you will be based at ProZone’s Leeds office, located close to the M62 motorway.
Responsibilities
As the Product Design/Development Manager you will be responsible for creating and delivering new Software applications. You will be involved in the whole product development lifecycle, taking responsibility for gathering and prioritising product requirements, and working closely with the development team to deliver world leading software applications.
The scope of the role is both technical and managerial, and you will be responsible for delivering projects listed on the product development roadmap on time, within budget and according to specifications.
To succeed in this position you must have previous product development experience in a software environment. You must also have relevant programming experience, preferably with knowledge of software design and testing. Some knowledge of software databases, in particular SQL Server would be advantageous, as would an interest and knowledge of football.
As the Product Design/Development Manager, you will be an excellent communicator with good presentation skills. Degree educated (or equivalent), you should also be a team player, with the proven ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Skill Requirements
- Previous product development experience in a software environment
- Experience of providing technical leadership
- Experience of software design and testing
- Programming experience of Visual Basic and C/C++ or C#
- Development cycle experience
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Ability to confidently make critical decisions and work under pressure to meet deadlines
Applications
Please send a CV and accompanying letter detailing your salary expectations and why you are suitable for the role to Paul Neilson, Head of Technology and Product Strategy: paul.neilson@prozonesports.com
Deadline for applications: Fri 11th July 2008
Posted 6th May 2008 - Research positions - RMIT University, Australia
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the following research positions to join the RMIT University Sports Engineering and Technology research team:
Senior Research Fellow in Sports Equipment Design
3 year contract based at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (PhD in relevant area required)
PhD Research Student in Sports Equipment Design
3 year scholarship of AUD$25,000 p/a based at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (excelent academic record required)
All inquiries should be forwarded to prof. Aleksandar Subic at Aleksandar.Subic@rmit.edu.au
Posted 2nd May 2008 - Design Engineer - NEMO Equipment, Inc., USA
NEMO Equipment, Inc. was founded in 2002 with the commitment to bring the highest level of design and engineering to the world of outdoor adventure sports. The company produces lines of air-supported and traditional poled tents for the backcountry. Besides AirSupported Technology®, NEMO has patents pending for its lightweight pumps, washable floor liners, condensation curtains and many more features and accessories which add functionality and comfort to its shelters. NEMO products can be found at local, national, and international retailers.
This position is all about inventing the next generation of technology for the outdoor industry. NEMO has already made a name for itself with its unique and highly innovative shelters. The company has many other projects in the works and needs to expand its team. The best suited candidate will have the discipline and thought process of an engineer with the open minded creativity of a good designer.
NEMO is a small company that is growing fast. All employees are involved in many projects. While this position is flexible, the main responsibilities will be:
- Early stage product development (ideation and brainstorming)
- Modeling and Prototyping
- Communicating with manufacturers
- Product Testing
- Sourcing
- Computer Modeling
- Investigating new technologies
Applicants should be analytical, creative, high-energy and able to wear flip-flops while maintaining a professional demeanor. Experience is valued but less important than talent. Passion for the outdoors, the industry, and sports is a must.
To apply, please send your resume, a few images of your best work and a short cover letter to Suzanne at suzanne@nemoequipment.com. Candidates must be able to work in the US. We will respond to the most promising candidates as quickly as possible.
8 February 2008: CAD Engineer
TaylorMade-adidas Golf, USA
Authentic. Competitive. Innovative. Passionate.
These are the core values of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company. Every day they inspire our 1,000-person global workforce to strengthen our brands – TaylorMade and adidas Golf – and reinforce our reputation for maintaining the Best Performance Brands in Golf.
Our Research & Developmentteam has an exciting opening foraCAD Engineer to join our Metalwood Advanced Technology team. This is a great opportunity to use your advanced skills with 3-D CAD Modeling Software andengineering problem solving skills to design advanced technology for our next generation of Driver, Fairway and Utility Metalwood products. Headquarters located in California, USA.
Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize Pro/Engineer (Pro/e, Wildfire) to conduct a wide variety of complex design tasks in the creation/production of new designs, prototypes, and/or fixturing and tooling.
- Contribute to the development of new designs and/or processes at all stages, from concept creation, prototype evaluation to production tooling. Take sketches from industrial design and Advanced Research team tomodel in Pro/Engineer (Pro/e, Wildfire), conduct FEA (ABAQUS) investigations, and facilitate prototype creation and evaluation. Use highest level of 3-D CAD modeling and problem solving skills to create a complete model and finished CAD drawings.
- Ensure that accurate and controlled documents/specifications are generated for new product designs and manufacturing processes. Transfer engineering drawings to outside vendors and necessary internal customers.
Education, Training, Professional Certification and Work Experience:
- 2 -5 years advanced level CAD Design & Engineering experience directly related to the essential duties and responsibilities described above.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering degree is required. Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering a plus.
- Advanced knowledge and3-D Modelingskill with Pro/Engineer (pro/e)/Wildfire or equivelant parametric 3-D CAD Modeling Design suite required (Unigraphics, CATIA, Solidworks, etc.). Advanced Surfacing knowledge preferred. Experience or training in FEA tools (i.e. ABAQUS) a plus, but not required.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements:
- High level of proficiency in 3-D CAD modeling and engineering problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of multiple manufacturing methods (e.g. casting, injection molding, machining, compression molding, forging, and coating/plating techniques) and materials (steel, titanium, aluminum alloys, composites) is desired.
- Strong communication skills: Must be fluent in English (written and oral), excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization (e.g. marketing, sales, engineering, technicians, production, tour players).
- Knowledge of golf principles and associated terminology a plus.
Our mission is to be the leading sports brand in the world. If you’re poised to help us accomplish this mission and push for the win, apply today! You can apply by sending your resume to jobs@tmag.com . For more information on our company, please visit www.taylormadegolf.com.
8 February 2008: Lecturer C/D
University of Adelaide, Australia
A new member of academic staff is being sought to lead and further develop the new Sports Engineering program in the University of Adelaide’s School of Mechanical Engineering. You will be expected to play a key role in the Sports Engineering undergraduate teaching and research activities. The School has active research groups working in materials, fracture mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics and vibration and your research interests should align with one of these areas.
You should have:
- an undergraduate degree in Sports, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Biomechanical, Biomedical, Automotive, Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, and a PhD in the same or related field or equivalent experience;
- experience in teaching courses relevant to sports engineering or in applying Sports Engineering in practice
- demonstrable lecturing ability and commitment to excellence in teaching.
In addition to undertaking research, and lecturing in sports engineering subjects, you will supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student projects. You will be active in School and professional affairs and undertake administrative responsibilities at School level. Interaction with other disciplines, institutions and organisations will be encouraged. Applications that involve job sharing of the position by two people will also be considered seriously.
Applicants with a relevant Science degree and experience in Sports Engineering practice may also be considered.
Salary: Lecturer C = $83,337 - $96,099 per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
Associate Professor D = $103,358 - $113,868, plus 17% superannuation.
This tenurable position is available from June 1, 2008. Further information, including selection criteria, may be obtained from http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/current/ or Ms Wendy Brown, telephone: (08) 8303 5460, or email: wendy.brown@adelaide.edu.au
Applications, separately addressing each of the selection criteria (C) and (D), and include the names and address of three referees, should be forwarded in duplicate to Professor Colin Hansen, Head, School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, by 25th March, 2008.