Manager, Applied Sport Science

Department: Player Care & Performance

Reports to: Director, Player Care & Performance

Classification: Full Time/Exempt

Summary/Objective:

The Manager, Applied Sport Science will support the Player Care & Performance staff in the development and execution of athlete monitoring and performance testing workflows. This individual will also oversee the strength & conditioning aspect of return to play programming for Major League players who are being rehabilitated out of Houston. This position will require daily interaction with Major League PC&P staff, field coaches, team physicians, R&D staff, as well as other front office members in addition to the daily player care responsibilities. This role is based out of Houston, TX but travel is required; including but not limited to the entirety of Spring Training in West Palm Beach, FL.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work with the Director, Player Care & Performance to budget, estimate, and prioritize high level project details and timelines.
• Help standardize, develop, and improve data collection protocols for current and new assessments.
• Collaborate and support R&D’s execution of ingestion and automation of sport science platforms and reports to support Player Care & Performance decision-making.
• Troubleshoot and perform maintenance of sport science testing equipment.
• Manage applied sport science vendor relationships.
• Stay up to date on current research methods in the field.
• Work with managers and player development staff to manage player load, maximize schedule efficiency, and optimize performance outcomes.
• Ensure that consistent return to play standards, protocols, and progressions are maintained for the Houston Astros Player Care & Performance Team (PC&P Staff).
• Collaborate with the organization’s athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, mental health & performance vendor, sport scientists, dietitians, front office, and player development staff to care for players and implement organizational programs.
• Assist with the phasic progression of return to play, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of 40-Man players.
• Communicate injury and rehab updates to Head Athletic Trainer as well as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.
• Adhere to the organization’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Astros Handbook, PC&P Handbook, Medical Department Handbook, and direct communication from the Director of Player Care and Performance
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• Master’s Degree in Sport Physiology, Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field
• 5+ years of experience in the field of applied sport science and strength & conditioning at the NCAA or professional sport level
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the NSCA
• Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) through the NSCA
• Strong familiarity with a suite of sport science monitoring equipment (e.g., force plates, GPS units, force frame, Hawkeye)
• Proficiency in R-Studio, Python and working knowledge of SQL
• Ability to manage project timelines and deliverables
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism in high-stress situations and with coaching staff/players
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute standardized protocols consistently and accurately
• CPR/AED certified
• Must be able to relocate to Houston, TX

Preferred

• PhD in Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science or related field
• Fluency in Spanish
• Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS) through the NSCA
• Experience in a professional sport environment and working knowledge of baseball-specific demands
• Track record of self-directed learning and professional development in sport science

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position manages all Applied Sport Science interns and is responsible for their hiring and training.

Work Environment:

This role operates in a sport performance facility, including but not limited to a weightroom, training areas, and an on-field environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The noise level is usually moderate but can be loud within the stadium environment. Must be able to work in all types of outdoor weather conditions

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and focused vision. The role involves frequent setup and breakdown of testing equipment, including lifting and carrying items. This position may require the ability to lift and carry up to 100lbs, the ability to stand for extended periods of time, as well as bending, reaching, and throwing.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position and requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Travel:

Some travel may be expected for this role. Travel to West Palm Beach, FL for the entirety of Spring Training is required.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability