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Sports Performance Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Mental Performance Coach

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

Research, Innovation, & Program Development * Stay current with sport psychology and mental performance research to inform program design and delivery. * Develop assessment tools and metrics to ...

Ortho Conditioning

$400 - $640/hr

Therapy and Sports Performance outpatient clinics * WALANT procedures * Advanced MRI suite ... The Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research The Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research ...

Exos

Performance Coach

Edmond, OK · On-site

... support research in sports science. * Contribute to staff education and training, delivering ... Exos Performance Specialist Internship. * Current industry certification; NSCA-CSCS or NASM ...

Exos

Performance Coach

Edmond, OK · On-site

... support research in sports science. * Contribute to staff education and training, delivering ... Exos Performance Specialist Internship. * Current industry certification; NSCA-CSCS or NASM ...

Utulsa

Director of Sports Science

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Oversee the sports performance and sports science pathways. * Serve as a positive role model ... About Us The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates ...

Utulsa

Director of Sports Science

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Oversee the sports performance and sports science pathways. * Serve as a positive role model ... About Us The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates ...

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How much do sports performance research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports performance research in the United States is $27.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports performance research?

Sports performance research is the scientific study of factors that influence athletic performance, including physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and technology. Researchers in this field aim to understand how athletes can train more effectively, prevent injuries, and optimize their abilities. This research often involves testing new training methods, analyzing movement patterns, and developing strategies to improve both individual and team performance. The findings contribute to advancements in coaching, sports medicine, and athlete development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sports performance research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sports Performance Research, you need a solid background in exercise science, physiology, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, biomechanical measurement systems, and relevant certifications such as CSCS or ACSM are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with athletes and coaches. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, practical application of findings, and ongoing improvement in athletic performance.

What are the main challenges faced when collaborating with coaches and athletes in a sports performance research role?

One of the main challenges in Sports Performance Research is effectively communicating complex data and findings to coaches and athletes, who may not have a scientific background. Building trust and ensuring your research is practical and actionable is essential, as stakeholders often look for immediate, tangible benefits. Additionally, balancing rigorous scientific methodology with the fast-paced, results-driven environment of sports can be demanding. Collaborators may have tight schedules or varying priorities, so being adaptable and proactive in your communication is key to driving impactful results.

What is the difference between Sports Performance Research vs Sports Scientist?

AspectSports Performance ResearchSports Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in sports science, research certificationsDegree in sports science, exercise physiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, sports organizationsClinics, sports teams, fitness centers
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, research firms, sports organizationsSports teams, health clinics, fitness industry
Primary FocusConducting research to improve athletic performanceApplying scientific principles to optimize athlete performance

Sports Performance Research primarily focuses on conducting scientific studies to understand and improve athletic performance, often working in research settings. In contrast, Sports Scientists apply scientific knowledge directly to athletes and teams to enhance performance through practical interventions. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in their work environment and primary objectives.

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Sports Performance Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Performance Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,826 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Mental Performance Coach

AEG

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct individual and group sessions to develop players' mental skills such as confidence, focus, emotional regulation, and resilience.

  • Collaborate with coaching and performance staff to integrate mental performance strategies into player development plans and team culture initiatives.

  • Attend training sessions, matches, and travel as an embedded team member to support mental performance and facilitate interdepartmental collaboration.

Job description

Position Summary
The Mental Performance Coach is responsible for enhancing the psychological readiness, resilience, and overall mental well-being of individual players, coaches, and staff within a professional football organization.
This role integrates performance psychology, leadership development, and culture-building strategies to help the entire organization perform at its highest level on and off the field.
The Mental Performance Coach will be fully embedded in the team environment - attending training sessions, matches, and travel - and works collaboratively across departments (health and performance, coaching staff, operations etc.) to foster a high-performance environment grounded in communication, composure, accountability, and continuous growth.
Key Responsibilities
Player Mental Performance
  1. Conduct individual and group sessions focusing on confidence building, focus, decision-making under pressure, emotional regulation, and mental resilience.
  2. As part of player individual development plans (IDPs) develop personalized mental performance plans aligned with each player's goals, role, and team expectations.
  3. Support players in navigating challenges such as return to play following injury, performance 'dips', transitions, and career stressors.
  4. Use evidence-based techniques to design and deliver mental skills training in areas such as visualization, mindfulness, game-day preparation, and recovery routines.
  5. Work closely with medical, performance, and coaching staff to ensure mental performance strategies are integrated into holistic IDPs.
  6. Coordinate with licensed mental health professionals to provide referrals and ensure continuity of care.
  7. Maintains player records in line with confidentiality standards and relevant regulatory and professional body requirements.

Team Culture & Performance
  1. Collaborate with the Head Coach and performance team to define and sustain the team's culture, values, and behavioral standards.
  2. Facilitate team workshops on communication, trust-building, accountability, conflict resolution, and team cohesion.
  3. Support leadership development within the player group (captains, veteran leaders, rookies) to strengthen the team's internal leadership structure.
  4. Analyze team dynamics and provide actionable insights to enhance on-field decision-making and collaboration.
  5. Assist in managing team-wide 'stress levels', especially during high-pressure periods such as playoffs, losing streaks, or media scrutiny.

Coaching & Staff Development
  1. Provide coaching, mentorship, and resources to other team staff on effective communication, leadership, and performance psychology principles.
  2. Train staff in mental skills strategies that can be incorporated into their own work with players.
  3. In close collaboration with HR, support staff well-being, burnout prevention, and personal growth to maintain a high-functioning environment across the organization.
  4. Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration and alignment to ensure consistent messaging and support across the team (staff and players).
  5. Attend team training sessions, matches, and travel as an embedded member of the high-performance team.
  6. Communicate regularly with the coaching and performance staff to align mental skills programming with team tactical and physical performance goals (IDPs).

Organizational Support & Strategy
  1. Contribute psychological insights into player recruitment, drafting, onboarding, and transition processes.
  2. Provide regular reports to leadership (while upholding ethical boundaries and confidentiality).
  3. Serve as an ambassador for mental performance within the organization, promoting a supportive and stigma-free environment.

Research, Innovation, & Program Development
  1. Stay current with sport psychology and mental performance research to inform program design and delivery.
  2. Develop assessment tools and metrics to evaluate the impact of mental performance interventions.

Other duties
  1. As assigned.

THE BAY WAY
  1. Acts with humility and puts the team first, prioritizing tasks and decisions based on team and organizational needs.
  2. Collaborates across departments to improve workflows, engaging in healthy conflict resolution and supporting teammates through challenges or mistakes.
  3. Seeks feedback and takes initiative, completing projects independently and asking for help when needed.
  4. Lives out The Bay Way consistently, demonstrating alignment in day-to-day situations and identifying new opportunities that support the club's needs.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Master's or doctoral degree in Sport Science, Sport Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field.
  • A Certified Mental Performance Consultant - CMPC is preferred.
  • The following certifications will be considered (final determination to be made by the Club and the League)
    • International Society of Sports Psychology Registration (ISSP-R)
    • USOPC Mental Health Registry
    • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - Certified Mental Toughness Coach
    • Human Performance Institute (HPI) - Certified Corporate Athlete
    • Institute of Coaching Professional Association (ICPA)

Candidates with these non-CMPC certifications will need to provide documentation of league required domain specific training and supervision.
  • Minimum 3 years' experience working with elite athletes either individually or in a team sport setting (collegiate, professional, Olympic, or similar standard in another domain).
  • Experience with individual coaching and group facilitation.
  • Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel with the team.

Preferred Qualifications
  1. Licensed Mental Health Provider or advanced degree in a related field.
  2. Master's or Doctorate in Sport Psychology or Clinical Psychology.

Compensation
The base salary for this role begins at $120,000. Actual starting pay may vary based on a range of factors which can include experience, skills, and scope.
Bay FC is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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