Assistant - Performance Science

Job Title: Performance Science Assistant

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Sr. Director of Performance Science, the Performance Science Assistant will be accountable to supporting applied sport science processes and systems in collaboration with all departments within Baseball Operations. This is a generalist role with the expectation for the successful candidate to have the requisite appetite and dynamic capabilities to work collaboratively and effectively across a breadth of subdisciplines and personnel. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in applied sports biomechanics and/or experience providing performance and movement solutions to elite athletes as part of as part of a multidisciplinary team. This position will be based out of the Royals’ complex in Surprise, AZ, with possible travel to Royals affiliates (Kansas City and the minor leagues) and/or external sites, as directed.

Position Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

• Support a comprehensive athlete monitoring system, including data collection, technical maintenance, troubleshooting, test selection, staff training, and system design
• Collaborate with Sports Medicine, Behavioral Science, and R&D on internal medical & performance research
• Coordinate the operations and logistics for the integration of performance technology within Player Development, Amateur Scouting, and International Operations
• Work with R&D team members to maintain shared data infrastructure
• Assist with the identification, evaluation and selection of novel performance science tools and systems
• Help equip coaches to better leverage and integrate quantitative tools and techniques into player development
  
  

Position Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; postgraduate degree/training in sport science disciplines strongly preferred
• Excellent explicit and tacit knowledge of monitoring training and performance in athletes
• Highly skilled with performance technology throughout the entire data lifecycle; experience with baseball-specific tools preferred
• Knowledge and skills required to formulate and pursue impactful research questions regarding baseball performance and player health
• Strong organizational skills, intellectual curiosity, stress tolerance, the ability to handle uncertainty, and adept at driving projects to completion
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to dynamically adapt messaging to a diverse group of stakeholders; Spanish competency is an asset
• Preferred qualifications:

1. Relevant experience with applied biomechanics in an elite sport environment
2. Relevant certification/licensure as a sports performance practitioner (CPSS, CSCS, PT, ATC, RD)
3. Proficiency in relevant computer and software programming languages (SQL, R, etc.)
4. Coaching and/or relevant baseball experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift items weighing as much as 15 pounds
• Must be able to work in a seated position for majority of workday
• Must be able to be productive utilizing a computer keyboard and telephone
• Must be able to be productive in a work environment where the noise level can be high at times
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus
• Must be comfortable walking to navigate the facility to access the office, concourse, etc.
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as required by deadlines and event scheduling

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit for long periods of time; walk; use hands, handle, or feel.

This role is a Full-Time, Exempt opportunity that is eligible for Company Benefits, 401K, and PTO. This role is expected to have a standard 40-hour work week.

We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, the Kansas City Royals will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, the Club also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions please inquire with Human Resources by email at humanresources@royals.com.

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.