COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018) (2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Applied Sports Scientist will play a key role in supporting player performance and wellbeing within a high-performance team at the Houston Dash. This role is responsible for the collection, analysis, and application of performance data to optimize training, reduce injury risk, and support the coaching staff in decision-making. The Applied Sports Scientist will work closely with the Head of Performance and Performance Coach as part of the Performance Department, as well as work in collaboration with Medical Department, and Technical Staff as it relates to players' health, safety and well-being.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performance Monitoring & Data Management
- Lead the daily monitoring of player physical performance using GPS tracking, heart-rate systems, wellness surveys, force platforms, and other monitoring tools.
- Manage data collection workflows for training and matches, ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance with the league requirements.
- Maintain and develop the club’s performance data management systems, dashboards, and reporting structures.
Training Load Management
- Track and analyze internal and external training loads to support periodization and performance planning.
- Provide daily training load recommendations in collaboration with the Head of Performance and coaching staff.
- Identify early signs of overtraining, fatigue or elevated injury risk and communicate findings early.
- Assist with on-field training, conditioning and the delivery of gym-based strength and conditioning for players.
Match Preparation & Analysis
- Provide pre-match performance reports, player readiness updates, and post-match physical analysis.
- Contribute to recovery planning via data insights and evidence-based recommendations.
- Support high-performance workflows on game days (warm-ups, testing, equipment management).
Testing & Profiling
- Plan and conduct regular physical profiling: speed, conditioning, strength and power assessments
- Benchmark players against positional standards, league norms and internal KPIs.
- Use testing insights to collaborate with S&C coaches, medical staff and technical coaches.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Work closely with technical coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapist, dietitian and strength and conditioning coach.
- Collaborate with the Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapist regarding injured and rehabilitating players to modify training programs with agreement from Team Medical Staff.
- Contribute to the club’s long-term performance strategy, injury-reduction initiatives and return to play process.
Research & Innovation
- Stay current with emerging technologies, scientific literature, and best practices in women’s football and sport science.
- Evaluate and integrate new tools or methodologies that can enhance performance culture.
- Support applied research projects and contribute to the club’s continuous improvement culture.
Professional Standards
- Compile reports as required by the league
- Comply with all league medical/performance policies and protocols.
- Follow codes and standards of their governing bodies and all applicable League Rules and Team Policies.
- Attend all activities/meetings/programs as required by the League.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and to travel internationally.
- Perform other duties as assigned or required by the League.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum four (4) year college/university bachelor’s degree in Sport Science, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics or a related field.
- Minium three (3) years of experience working with elite-level athletes (i.e., collegiate, professional, Olympic).
- Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) certification.
- CPR certification in Basic Life Support.
- Preferred experience in women’s elite football, and knowledge of NWSL competition demands is an advantage.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
- Excellent team member, who always places the Club first.
- Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
- High standards of accountability.
- Respectful in their communication, empathy, and inclusiveness.
- Ability to work in a high stress and competitive environment.
- High level of confidence.
- Complete work accurately and in a timely manner.
- Work independently and in a group setting and demonstrate good judgement skills.
- Demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills required to work effectively with Players, Team Medical Staff, Coaches, other Team Personnel and League Staff.
- Proven ability in sports science and analytics working with GPS and other monitoring systems.
- Maintains a positive attitude to help the players succeed in their goals.
- Maintains Organizational Core Competencies.
ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
- Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
- Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
- Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.
Additional Competencies for Leadership
- Strategic – Leads opportunity and is committed to continuous improvement aligned with the organizational vision and direction.
- Resilient – Demonstrates personal resilience within a demanding environment of high expectations.
- Enabling – Drives excellence through valuing and developing others.
- Business Acumen – Superior ability to understand and effectively navigate area of responsibility and various business scenarios.
- Good Judgment – Strong critical thinking skills and ability to exercise discretion and good judgement.
OTHER INFORMATION
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile, and ethical/values driven.
We are an equal opportunity employer. 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.
