Volunteer Sports Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WHO IS USA LACROSSE

USA Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is a Recognized Sports Organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.  As the National Governing Body of men's and women's lacrosse in the United States, we collaborate with passionate experts across the sport to create opportunities for people to enjoy the sport, learn about the game, keep participants safe, and ensure everyone feels welcome.  Supporting more than 425,000 members, we provide national leadership, structure, and resources to fuel and unify the sport's growth and enrich the experience of its players, coaches, officials, parents, and program leaders.    

USA Lacrosse believes a diverse team best positions our organization to fulfill its mission. We strive to attract and maintain a team of talented and dedicated professionals who represent the diverse nature of our membership and the national lacrosse community.  We are committed to a team culture that ensures everyone feels welcomed, valued, included, and heard.

Mission

As the National Governing Body of lacrosse in the United States, USA Lacrosse fuels the growth, enriches the experience, and fields the best National Teams.

Core Values

• We Influence - Written and Verbal Communication
• We Serve - Customer Focused
• We Create & Innovate - Creativity
• We Collaborate - Peer Relationships
• We are Humble & Honest - Integrity and Trust
• We Embrace Individuality - Diversity
• We Have Fun - Work Hard and Play Hard

If this aligns with who you are and what you are looking for in an organization, keep reading. 

POSITION SUMMARY

USA Lacrosse is looking for an Applied Sport Scientist & Researcher to join our team and work with the VP, High Performance in our Center for Sport Science & Safety.  The primary responsibilities of this role are to lead applied sport science support for the National Teams and National Teams Development Program, manage the applied research and innovation programs, and collaborate in knowledge translation and education in this area of our business.  This role will work cross-departmentally and alongside key stakeholders (i.e., athletes, coaches, medical personnel, research collaborators, etc.) to ensure all athlete support, applied research, and educational initiatives of the Center have positive outcomes.    

If you are an analytical and driven researcher who excels in collaboration and wants to work in the field of sport science to support and help elite athletes excel on the lacrosse field, this could be a great opportunity for you.  You will get to work alongside talented and passionate professionals, top athletes, coaches, medical personnel, and research collaborators to apply sport science and research in a way that will enable athletes to enhance their performance so they can perform at peak levels.      

A Typical Day Looks Like...

National Teams and National Teams Development Program

• Collects, manages, analyzes, and reports on training, competition, and testing data for National Teams and National Team Development Program athletes.
• Travels with USA Lacrosse's National Teams to implement and oversee all protocols for athlete monitoring systems, including but not limited to GPS, heart rate, surveys, and hydration.
• Coordinates and oversees GPS data collection and implements performance testing protocols for National Teams and National Team Development Program athletes.
• Applies best practices to data lifecycle management including, but not limited to, data collection, processing, storage/access, analysis, interpretation, visualization, and dissemination to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Leads the ongoing data/technology integration and reporting using our Athlete Management system (AMS) software.
• Supports National Team Strength & Conditioning coaches with use of online training prescription platform.

Research, Analysis, & Reporting

• Stays up to date and informed on current research, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to sports science, sharing insights with the team to enhance department initiatives.
• Leads and contributes to internal applied sport science research projects to include potential collaboration with external researchers.
• Manages applied sport science research protocols ranging from MOUs to manuscript submissions to ensure projects remain on schedule and are successfully completed.
• Generates post-event reports and data feedback workflows to promote the dissemination of data and performance insights to appropriate National Teams and National Team Development Program stakeholders.

Administration & Communication

• Collaborates with the marketing and communications team to develop educational assets and content (across different formats) for USA Lacrosse membership on relevant and timely sport science and sport medicine related topics.  Knowledge translation is critical to this process.
• Implements and updates internal standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Sport Science protocols for areas including, but not limited to, GPS technology, hydration monitoring, recovery/regeneration strategies, and injury surveillance.
• Assists in developing an overview of long-term athlete profiling across technical, tactical, physical, and mental performance pillars.
• Supports return-to-play protocols with National Teams medical support personnel as needed.
• Supports the development and execution of the budget for the Center for Sport Science & Safety.
• Supports the VP, High Performance by providing administrative leadership and organizational support to the Center for Sport Science & Safety and the Sports Science & Safety Committee.

Is This You...

• Master's degree in sport/exercise science, physiology, kinesiology, or similar field of study or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in elite sport (e.g., college, pro, or NGB) high performance environment.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with athletes and coaches in high performance environments.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary performance teams.  This includes experience supporting both male and female elite athletes.
• Experience conducting research or applied performance innovation.
• Intermediate to advanced computer knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint. 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills with the ability to multi-task and manage simultaneous projects while meeting deadlines.
• Expertise using Statsports or similar system.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and visualize data for non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.  This includes the ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives at one time and keep projects on track to meet established deadlines. 
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain these certifications.
• CSCS or SCCC certification strongly preferred.
• Experience developing, coordinating, and managing sport science personnel preferred.
• Experience developing educational content for general audiences preferred.   
• Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS), programming language (e.g., R, Python), and data visualization software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) preferred.
• Experience using TeamBuilder and Brower Timing System beneficial.
• Willingness and flexibility to work nights and weekends based on competition schedules and events for our National Teams and National Team Development Program, including ability to travel (domestic and international) as needed.  This includes having or being willing to get a Passport for international travel with the teams as needed.
• Willingness to learn about the sport of lacrosse and appreciate the need to develop, grow, and fuel the growth of the sport with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind.
• Ability to align with USA Lacrosse's Mission, Vision, and Values to support our initiatives and organizational goals to support our members. 

Expected Hours of Work

This position is generally expected to work Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm and occasionally requires longer hours and/or weekend work based on competitions, events, and other business needs.  This is a hybrid position and works from the headquarters office in Sparks, MD three (3) days a week with the flexibility to work from home two (2) days a week. 

Compensation & Benefits Overview

The annual salary range is $60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with experience plus potential for annual incentive pay based on performance.

USA Lacrosse offers a competitive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, offering multiple options for Medical and Dental (eligible the first of the month following 30 days of employment).
• Company paid Life and AD&D at one times an employee's annual salary up to $50,000 and company paid Long Term Disability (LTD) at one year of employment.
• 403(b) retirement plan (eligible immediately upon hire), including a 4% employer contribution at one year of employment.
• Generous PTO, company paid holidays, bereavement, jury duty, and parental and maternity leave.
• Additional voluntary insurance options, such as supplemental benefits through Colonial and Nationwide pet insurance.
• Discounts on USA Lacrosse merchandise. 
• Free onsite gym at HQ office. 
• Free parking.

Travel Requirements

Travel up to 25% of the time will be necessary. Travel would involve the following mode(s) of travel: car, train, or air.  Some out of area (domestic and international) and overnight travel will be expected.   

EEO Statement