PhD Studentship within Academy Sports Science

Employer: Celtic Football Club
Reference: N/A
Contract: Full-Time/Fixed Term/3 years

Further details

Celtic Football Club has a unique opportunity for three individuals to complete a fully funded PhD in applied sport and exercise science at The University of the West of Scotland, researching into the science of elite youth football development. In addition to the completion of the academic requirements for this higher education award, the successful candidates will also gain invaluable experience of applied sports science by being embedded within the Academy Sports Science Department at Celtic FC. The combination of completing research in an elite footballing environment and experiencing industry practice will be a valuable process for any aspiring practitioner. 

Research Topics: The following titles are indicative of the three research areas of the PhD studentships. Namely, Sports Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, Load Monitoring and Talent Development 

• Nutritional and Metabolic Profiling of elite pre-adolescent and adolescent football players 

• Critical Evaluation and Enhancement of Physical Determinants of Match-Play within Elite Youth Football 

• Evaluating the influence of infrequent match exposure in the developmental pathway of young footballers: A multi-disciplinary investigation 

The Role: 

• Complete an appropriate programme of study to train for a PhD in sport and exercise science 

• Contribute to teaching and research activities within UWS outside of the individuals own PhD process 

• Support the sports science department in their delivery of sports science and athletic development within Celtic FC Academy 

Candidate Profile: 

Essential • BSc (Hons) Degree in sport and exercise science or equivalent (minimum 2:1) 

• Knowledge of the physiological demands of football and elite youth football • Knowledge of long term athlete development models and athletic development 

• Demonstrate the ability to create and sustain positive working relationships with all key stakeholders 

• An organised and energetic personality with a passion for football 

• Excellent communication skills to engage/motive young players to develop athleticism and lifestyle throughout childhood and adolescence 

• Positive attitude to an ever-changing, fast and dynamic environment 

• Full UK driving license 

• Flexible approach to the working week including evenings and weekends 

Desirable 

• MSc Degree in sport sciences/strength & conditioning 

• Accredited/Certified strength and conditioning coach (or working towards) e.g. UKSCA, CSCS 

• Football/other sports coaching qualifications 

• Experience delivering to elite youth athletes (within or outside of football) 

Please apply formally in writing with CV & Cover letter to:
Oliver Morgan, Head of Academy Sports Science, at omorgan@celticfc.co.uk 

Package description 

Informal enquiries regarding the role & finance can be submitted to: Oliver Morgan, Head of Academy Sports Science, at omorgan@celticfc.co.uk or Professor Vish Unnithan, UWS at vish.unnithan@uws.ac.uk

Vacancy email address omorgan@celticfc.co.uk