Position: Performance Science Fellow
Department: High-Performance
Reports to: Head of Performance Science
Status: Full-Time (Fixed-Term; 10-Month Fellowship)
About Charlotte FC
Charlotte Football Club is the Major League Soccer Club in the Carolinas. The Club’s mission is to be a unifying force that is bigger than one city and encourage a sense of belonging through a progressive, collective, and ambitious approach that guides efforts on and off the pitch. CLTFC is committed to driving growth through the sport and community outreach. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper and is a part of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which also includes Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers. For more information, visit
CharlotteFootballClub.com.
Position Summary
The Performance Science Fellow is a developmental role within the High-Performance Department for aspiring practitioners who have prior exposure to elite sport and seek to build the competencies needed for a full-time Performance Scientist position. This structured 10‑month fellowship provides hands-on experience across the club pathway with dedicated three‑month blocks in the Academy, Second Team, and First Team, followed by presenting a year-long capstone project. The Fellow will work closely with the club’s Performance Scientist and report directly to the Head of Performance Science, contributing to daily performance operations, athlete monitoring, and applied sport science initiatives while learning club standards and integrated processes.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Rotational Performance Support Across the Club Pathway
o Academy (March–May): Assist foundational athlete monitoring, physical testing, and training-load processes; help implement age-appropriate development protocols.
o Second Team (June–August): Support daily monitoring (e.g., GPS, wellness), data processing, and integration of insights into training and recovery strategies; contribute to matchday routines as assigned.
o First Team (September–November): Gain exposure to advanced performance workflows; assist with data collection and reporting; observe multidisciplinary meetings and contribute under supervision.
o Capstone Project Presentation (December): Consolidate learnings into a final project that delivers actionable recommendations for the department; prepare and present findings to staff and relevant stakeholders.
2. Applied Sport Science & Monitoring
o Support daily athlete readiness and training-load monitoring using GPS, wellness platforms, and force plates.
o Assist with standardized testing protocols (e.g., neuromuscular, strength diagnostics) and ensure high-quality data capture.
o Contribute to data cleaning, organization, and basic analysis; assist in building routine reports and dashboards.
3. Data Management & Reporting
o Collect, manage, and QA performance data (GPS, wearables, physical tests) within the club’s Athlete Management System.
o Produce concise reports and visuals for coaches, performance, and medical staff to inform training, selection, and recovery decisions.
o Maintain documentation of workflows, SOPs, and rotational learnings to support alignment across Academy, Second Team, and First Team.
4. Club-Wide Alignment & Collaboration:
o Work alongside the Performance Scientist to apply consistent sport science standards and protocols across all levels.
o Participate in multidisciplinary discussions regarding player monitoring, injury-risk mitigation, and training interventions.
o Support equipment logistics (e.g., device prep, charging, calibration), testing setups, and post-session breakdown.
5. Professional Growth & Education
o Engage in ongoing mentorship with the Head of Performance Science and Performance Scientist; participate in internal education sessions.
o Maintain a reflective learning journal, set quarterly development goals, and incorporate feedback into practice.
o Contribute to knowledge-sharing (e.g., short presentations, internal memos) that help unify processes across the pathway.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Strength & Conditioning, etc. (Master’s Degree Preferred)
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification from NSCA
- Prior experience (internship, part-time, or contract) in an elite sporting environment (professional team, NCAA Division I, or tactical setting) required.
- Familiarity with athlete monitoring technologies (e.g., Catapult GPS or equivalent, force plates, wellness platforms) preferred.
- Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
- Must have a valid US Driver’s license, and passport.
- Must pass pre-employment screens.
Additional Qualities & Skills Desired for Success
- Ability to Utilize Microsoft Suite of Products.
- CPSS certification from NSCA, or working toward
- Experience using different performance science technologies, including:
- Force Plates, Velocity-Based Training devices, Isometric Strength Testing & Training, etc.
- Strong interest in soccer and Long-Term Athlete Development.
- Clear, professional communication; confidence presenting to staff and stakeholders.
- High attention to detail, reliability, and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
- Ability to work under pressure with a positive attitude while maintaining confidentiality.
- Must maintain complete confidentiality of privileged, and/or sensitive information.
- Consistently displays the character and values of the Tepper Sports & Entertainment brand.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
This position operates in a professional office environment and outside in a stadium facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.
- ·Must be able to work in non-traditional settings, and work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, for certain team training sessions and matches.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to remain sitting for up to 6 hours at a desk and computer.
- Ability to remain standing/walking for up to 6 hours.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, and endure weather conditions, including rain, wind, high and low temperatures, etc.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.