Fellow - Performance Science

Position:                 Performance Science Fellow

Department:           High-Performance 

Reports to:             Head of Performance Science

Status:                    Intern

Duration:                Anticipated: January 15, 2027 -  June 15, 2027

About Charlotte FC

Charlotte Football Club is the Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com.

Position Summary

The Performance Science Fellow is a developmental role within the High-Performance Department for aspiring practitioners who have prior exposure to elite sport and seek to build the competencies needed for a full-time Performance Scientist position. This structured 5‑month fellowship provides hands-on experience in the Academy, with additional opportunities to observe/assist the Second Team and First Team environments, followed by presenting a capstone project to conclude your time at the club. The Fellow will work closely with the club’s Performance Scientist and report directly to the Head of Performance Science, contributing to daily performance operations, athlete monitoring, and applied sport science initiatives while learning club standards and integrated processes.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Performance Science Support in the Academy, and Observe Across the Pathway
   • Academy (Primary Role - January–June): Assist and conduct foundational athlete monitoring, physical testing, and training-load processes; help implement age-appropriate development protocols; contribute to matchday routines as assigned.
   • Second Team (Observational): Gain insight into the increased level of individualization and detail that accompanies working at a professional development team (MLS NEXT Pro), including integration of performance science insights into training and recovery strategies, rehab & return-to-play, and vertical alignment of performance science protocols and data analysis throughout the pathway.
   • First Team (Observational): Gain exposure to advanced performance workflows; observe higher-level technologies, data analysis and reporting at the professional level; observe multidisciplinary meetings and collaboration on all aspects of Performance & Sports Medicine.
   • Capstone Project Presentation (June): Consolidate learnings into a final project that delivers actionable recommendations for the department; prepare and present findings to staff and relevant stakeholders.
2. Applied Sport Science & Monitoring in the Academy
   • Support daily athlete readiness and training-load monitoring using GPS, wellness platforms, force plates, VBT, and the club’s AMS.
   • Assist with standardized testing protocols (e.g., neuromuscular, strength diagnostics, ROM, etc) and ensure high-quality data capture.
   • Contribute to data cleaning, organization, and basic analysis; assist in building, maintaining, and updating routine reports and dashboards within the club’s AMS.
3. Data Management & Reporting
   • Collect, manage, and QA performance data (GPS, wearables, physical tests, etc) within the club’s Athlete Management System.
   • Produce concise reports and visuals for coaches, performance, and medical staff to inform training, selection, and recovery decisions.
   • Maintain documentation of workflows, SOPs, and rotational learnings to support alignment across Academy, Second Team, and First Team.

1. Club-Wide Alignment & Collaboration

1. • Work alongside the Performance Scientist to apply consistent sport science standards and protocols across all levels.
   • Participate in multidisciplinary discussions regarding player monitoring, injury-risk mitigation, and training interventions.
   • Support equipment logistics (e.g., device prep, charging, calibration), testing setups, and post-session breakdown.
2. Professional Growth & Education
   • Engage in ongoing mentorship with the Head of Performance Science and Performance Scientist; participate in internal education sessions.
   • Contribute to monthly deliverables based on the educational curriculum from the club’s Performance Science learning Hub within Sportsmith Premium
   • Maintain a reflective learning journal, set quarterly development goals, and incorporate feedback into practice.
   • Contribute to knowledge-sharing (e.g., short presentations, internal memos) that help unify processes across the pathway.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, etc. (Master’s Degree Preferred)

• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification from NSCA
• Prior experience (internship, part-time, or contract) in an elite sporting environment (professional team, NCAA Division I, or tactical setting) required.
• Familiarity with athlete monitoring technologies (e.g., Catapult GPS or equivalent, force plates, wellness platforms) preferred.

• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Must have a valid US Driver’s license, and passport.
• Must pass pre-employment screens.

Additional Qualities & Skills Desired for Success

• Ability to Utilize Microsoft Suite of Products.
• CPSS certification from NSCA, or working toward

• Experience using different performance science technologies, including:
• Force Plates, Velocity-Based Training devices, Isometric Strength Testing & Training, etc

• Strong interest in soccer and Long-Term Athlete Development.
• Clear, professional communication; confidence presenting to staff and stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, reliability, and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure with a positive attitude while maintaining confidentiality.

• Must maintain complete confidentiality of privileged, and/or sensitive information.

• Consistently displays the character and values of the Tepper Sports & Entertainment brand.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional office environment and outside in a stadium facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.  

• Must be able to work in non-traditional settings, and work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, for certain team training sessions and matches.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to remain sitting for up to 6 hours at a desk and computer.
• Ability to remain standing/walking for up to 6 hours.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, and endure weather conditions, including rain, wind, high and low temperatures, etc.

Charlotte FC is an equal opportunity at-will employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.