Performance Scientist (Bath Intensive Training Centre)

Transcription

1 Job description TITLE REPORTS TO SALARY LOCATION HOURS Performance Scientist (Bath Intensive Training Centre) Sports Science Sports Medicine Manager Grade 6-36,780 per annum University of Bath All hours contract that will include working outside normal office hours at weekends and on Public Holidays JOB PURPOSE The performance science position is a full-time role with British Swimming (BS) with the primary job purpose to provide performance science support to British Swimming s World Class Programme coaches and swimmers based at Bath Intensive Training Centre (ITC) and within the surrounding geographical region. As a background, British Swimming has a network of five Intensive Training Centres (ITCs), of which Bath is one. The ITCs are set-up to provide a daily training environment for BS World Class Programme swimmers and is supported by access to World Class facilities, quality coaching and an integrated science and medicine service delivery team. The Performance Scientist (PS) position is a multi-facet and applied role that encompasses the broad area of physical science and performance analysis as applied to elite athlete performance. The position works closely with and supports the World Class Program (WCP) coaches and swimmers in performance planning, monitoring, feedback and race analysis. The position does involve significant time within the daily training environment - on pool deck - as well attendance at national and international competitions. The Bath PS is a key member of British Swimming s performance science team and sport science sport medical network. The position is integral to contributing to the continued investigation and development of the key impact areas that are identified and relevant to future British Swimming Olympic success in the pool and open water swimming. The position will work with the BS WCP coaches and other support staff to create a seamless, integrated, world-class support service, which positively impacts on swimmer performance, in both daily training and national team environments. 1. Position Objectives The principle role of British Swimming s performance scientist is to: Provide and adopt a problem solving approach, as opposed to a discipline one, focused on optimising the swimmer s performance.

2 Work closely with Bath ITC / WCP coaches and respective Sports Science Sports Medicine (SSSM) staff to identify the key needs and requirements within an individual swimmer s performance plans and then to implement, monitor, assess and provide advice/feedback within the daily training and competition environment. Create an environment with Bath ITC and, relevant coaches of WCP swimmers within the BS service area that is challenging and supportive; thus driving the specific knowledge base forward resulting in performance gains. Maintain the highest standards of quality assurance and evidence based practice, while remaining innovative and creative. Guided but not constrained by the scientific process. Prepare and implement an annual service delivery plan that meets the needs and requirements of Loughborough ITC and relevant coaches of World Class Programme swimmers Assist with the organisation of maintenance, calibration and quality control of the physiological testing and performance analysis equipment and/or software and the health and safety procedures for use and quality assurance within Bath ITC Work within BS performance science team at national and international competitions to capture and analyse swimmer performance through use of BS performance video analysis system as well, to monitor athlete competition preparation 2. Responsibilities 2.1 Role overview Deliver services as outlined in the ITC SSSM Service Level Agreement (SLA) Work with and support the BS ITC coaches, Performance Club coaches and coaches of other World Class Programme targeted swimmers supported and serviced by the BS service area. Develop an area of specialism that is of benefit to British Swimming. Identify key elements that are likely to result in maximum performance gains for each individual swimmer and monitor provide or facilitate the provision of such services. Act as a sounding board for coaches to bounce ideas off and to constructively challenge coaches, offering different views and options thinking and challenging existing practice. Provide cutting edge technological support as required, or if needed, to develop new ones. Carry out race (video) analysis during competitions plus subsequently applying race analysis data to model performance and influence the day-to-day planning and monitoring of training. On-going SSSM education through coach and athlete education initiatives. Work as part of the overall team of BS performance scientists and ensuring full and open communication and information sharing within the team (athlete confidentiality permissive) attendance at BS performance scientist focus group meetings Contribute and maintain ongoing investigation to the development of BS performance key impact areas. Attendance at agreed national team activities and competitions and the undertaking of coach/athlete support roles at such. Contribute to the BS SSSM service delivery and evaluation process. 2.2 Day to day service delivery Where appropriate working with the coaches to help establish athlete annual and weekly training plans. Routine monitoring, analysis and feedback of swimmers during training sets as agreed with the relevant coaches. Anthropometric and nutritional/recovery support as required. Filming and analysis of agreed training sets.

3 Liaising with the ITC coach, other coaches and central performance staff to ensure optimal support service delivery. The synchronisation of training data against race profiles. Provide analysis and feedback to both coach and swimmers in a timely and communicable manner. The specific day to day role undertaken by the performance scientist will be discussed and agreed between the Bath ITC coaches, SSSM Manager to reflect the requirements of the specific BS service area. 2.3 Ongoing Commitments Work closely and effectively with all other service providers and all other parties involved in delivery of the BS SSSM annual plan. Comply with all policies set down by BS and ensure that they are implemented as appropriate, in particular those policies relating to equality and diversity. Any other duties appropriate to the role as required by the National Performance Director, SSSM Manager. 3. Key Result Areas The following key result areas have been identified for the position of performance scientist; Works towards the implementation of appropriate SSSM delivery strategies for BS within the three key result areas of: o daily training environment o national team camps and competitions o Education, research and technology. Builds and maintains an effective working relationship with coaches, other support staff and individuals as appropriate to enable the delivery of performance focused support services to all World Class Programme swimmers and their coaches in their service area. Contributes ideas and initiatives to drive forward relevant performance focused research and innovation. Ensures relevant, full and open communication with all colleagues, both support staff and identified coaches. Sets and maintains appropriate standards and working philosophy which reflects the BS SSSM programme performance focus. Meets all other specific aims and objectives as agreed with the SSSM Manager and ITC coach.. PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualifications/Skills/knowledge PhD or Masters Degree with major study in the area of Exercise Physiology and/ or Performance Analysis or equivalent. Recognised post-graduate experience in providing applied Exercise Science support to High Performance sport coaches and athletes Able to provide High Performance sport physiological and performance analysis support to athletes, teams and coaches

4 Ability to develop and maintain Sport Science resources, including minor equipment maintenance Significant experience of developing and delivering laboratory, field and sports specific assessments Previous experience in working with High Performance Sport coaching staff in the design, implementation and evaluation of annual and quadrennial periodised programmes for athletes Experience of informing sport specific conditioning and programming within a world class support programme Able to effectively integrate support provision with other areas of sport science and within multidisciplinary support teams Good IT skills, in particular able to work effectively with databases, word processing and spreadsheets Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to explain/present information in appropriate format to colleagues, coaches and athletes Personal Attributes The successful candidate will demonstrate: A passionate interest to work within the elite sport environment with flexibility towards work and a responsiveness to constant change that a world class training environment brings. Ability to set priorities and manage conflicting deadlines and time demands. Ability to build and foster effective relationships with colleagues, ensuring that all are committed to BS s common purpose. Listens actively to individuals so that needs are identified; actions are put in place to meet those needs, and checks that the needs have been met. Solves problems creatively by identifying the problem, evaluating the alternatives and finding innovative solutions. Can see opportunities and originate action in pursuit of achievement of BS s strategic goals. Makes controlled responses in stressful situations, such as when faced with negative responses or excessive workload. Sets high standards for self and others and is dissatisfied with average performance. Ability to work independently and demonstrates self initiative and motivation to complete tasks or resolve challenges. A mature approach to work, be trustworthy, and deal appropriately with information of a confidential nature

5 BRITISH SWIMMING Performance Scientist Responsible to: Place of Work: Hours of Work: Salary: Holidays: Sport Science Sport Medicine Manager Bath Intensive Training Centre All hours worked contract that will include working outside normal office hours at weekends and on Public Holidays Grade 6-36,780 per annum 25 days per year (pro rata prior to 12 months service) This role does involve training, supervising, working with and/or being in sole charge of children and young people. The successful applicant will therefore be required to apply for a disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). A disclosure is an impartial and confidential document that details an individual s criminal record and where appropriate gives details of those who are banned from working with children. PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL Masters Degree with major study in the area of Exercise Physiology and/ or Performance Analysis or equivalent Recognised post-graduate experience in providing applied Exercise Science support to High Performance sport coaches and athletes within the daily training and competition environment as well experience in working within a multidisciplinary team that is coach driven and athlete centred. Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated manner Previous experience in working with High Performance Sport coaching staff in the design, implementation and evaluation of performance plans as well as annual and quadrennial periodised programmes for athletes Significant experience of developing and delivering laboratory, field and sports specific assessments HIGHLY DESIRABLE PhD qualification and scientific background, most likely to be from a physical science or equivalent Detailed knowledge and understanding of the sport of swimming Detailed understanding of relevant performance analysis software and IT technology Has, or the ability to develop, expertise and skills across a range of different disciplines, based on the requirements of the swimming Commitment to personal development and is continually seeking to up skill own knowledge relevant to enhancing swimmer performance Demonstrated self initiative and autonomy to resolve issues and the ability to learn and apply new skills.

6 Good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to provide written and verbal reports in a timely manner. Ability to work all hours and travel (internationally/domestically) as required by the job. This includes early mornings, late nights, weekends and holiday periods.