Development Performance Scientist

Minnesota United FC•Blaine, MN

5d•$50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Minnesota United FC is looking for a Development Performance Scientist to lead the development and readiness of our MNUFC2 & Academy players throughout the season. This role is central to helping athletes perform at their best. As a key member of our Performance Team, you’ll design and implement training plans that align with the demands of soccer, contribute to return-to-play strategies, and apply scientific knowledge to improve performance. You’ll report to the Head of Performance, working and collaborating daily with technical, medical, and support staff to ensure our MNUFC2 & Academy players are prepared for the MLS Next Pro & MLS Next seasons. We’re looking for someone who brings a high level of expertise and sweats the details, with a people-first mindset, someone who leads with consistency and care. At MNUFC, we’re building a championship culture by focusing on the daily work that drives performance and strengthens our team. As our Development Performance Scientist, you’ll play a key role in preparing players to meet the demands of the season while creating a professional, high-trust environment where they can thrive. We invest in each other, grow as a team, and believe that every person plays a meaningful role in shaping who we are as a Club. If you sweat the details, thrive in a team environment, and are committed to helping others succeed, we’d love to have you on our team.

Requirements

1+ years of full-time experience in strength and conditioning at the professional level OR 3+ years at the MLS NEXT, Elite Academy, NCAA, U SPORTS, or comparable youth level
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential
Proven ability in key performance domains: designing soccer-specific exercises, plyometrics, SAQ (speed/agility/quickness) development, specific and non-specific energy system development, flexibility, recovery, injury prevention, nutrition, sports science, and analytics
Strong proficiency in data analysis related to performance and wellness, with an ability to communicate key takeaways clearly and effectively
Ability to work closely with athletes, coaches, and multidisciplinary staff in a high-pressure, team-focused environment
Experience with GPS technology and software (Catapult, Statsports, WIMU) with the ability to generate and analyze physical reports
Familiarity with Microsoft Office and performance tracking software, Excel and PowerBI preferred
Ability to lift, move, and demonstrate exercises with up to 50 pounds of force; must be comfortable spotting lifts and guiding athletes safely through complex movements

Nice To Haves

Spanish language skills are preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Development Strength & Conditioning Specialist to provide high-level programming for Development (MNUFC2 and Academy) Players
Design and implement safe and effective warm up and movement preparation sessions
Assist and supervise activation, strength training & recovery sessions
Collect GPS session/game data and provide relevant feedback to coaching staff, medical staff and players
Educate and counsel all Development players regarding strategies to improve performance
Work with medical staff to design and modify return to play training load parameters for post-rehabilitation Players
Assist with management of all IDP documentation to evaluate player performance
Manage all incoming testing & performance data streams for all Development Players
Help maintain appearance, safe functionality, and organization of equipment in the weight facility, as well as educate and enforce weight room rules
Demonstrate interpersonal skills required to work effectively with Development Players, Coaches, other Club personnel, and MLS Next and MLS Next Pro staff
Comply with all MLS Next and MLS Next Pro medical policies and procedures
Attend activities/meetings/programs as required by MLS Next and MLS Next Pro
Provide support to First Team Performance Scientist where necessary, including management of player movement and training load between teams, end stage rehabilitation, additional conditioning sessions, testing etc.
Travel to select MLS Next and MLS Next Pro events
Such other duties and services as may reasonably be assigned by Club to Employee that are consistent with employment as a Performance Scientist for a team in MLS Next and MLS Next Pro

Benefits

We provide a competitive benefits package that includes health coverage, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and additional perks to support you both personally and professionally.

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