Manager, Applied Sport Science

Houston Astros•Houston, TX

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Applied Sport Science supports the Player Care & Performance staff in developing and executing athlete monitoring and performance testing workflows. The manager oversees the strength and conditioning component of return-to-play programming for Major League players rehabilitating in Houston. The role is based in Houston, Texas, and requires travel, including the entirety of Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Florida. The position involves daily interaction with Major League Player Care & Performance staff, field coaches, team physicians, research and development staff, and other front office members, in addition to daily player-care responsibilities. The manager supervises Applied Sport Science interns and is responsible for their hiring and training. This is a full-time, exempt position with a flexible schedule that may include extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Sport Physiology, Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in applied sport science and strength and conditioning at the NCAA or professional sport level.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential from the NSCA.
Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC) credential through the NSCA.
Strong familiarity with sport science monitoring equipment, such as force plates, GPS units, force frame, and Hawkeye.
Proficiency in R-Studio and Python, and working knowledge of SQL.
Ability to manage project timelines and deliverables.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism in high-stress situations and with coaching staff and players.
Strong attention to detail and ability to execute standardized protocols consistently and accurately.
CPR/AED certification.
Must be able to relocate to Houston, Texas.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Sport Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
Fluency in Spanish.
Certified Performance and Sports Scientist (CPSS) credential through the NSCA.
Experience in a professional sport environment and working knowledge of baseball-specific demands.
Track record of self-directed learning and professional development in sport science.

Responsibilities

Work with the Director, Player Care & Performance to budget, estimate, and prioritize high-level project details and timelines.
Help standardize, develop, and improve data collection protocols for current and new assessments.
Collaborate with and support Research & Development’s execution of ingestion and automation of sport science platforms and reports for Player Care & Performance decision-making.
Troubleshoot and maintain sport science testing equipment.
Manage applied sport science vendor relationships.
Stay up to date on current research methods in the field.
Work with managers and player development staff to manage player load, maximize schedule efficiency, and optimize performance outcomes.
Ensure consistent return-to-play standards, protocols, and progressions are maintained for the Houston Astros Player Care & Performance team.
Collaborate with athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, the mental health and performance vendor, sport scientists, dietitians, front office, and player development staff to care for players and implement organizational programs.
Assist with phasic return-to-play progression, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of 40-Man players.
Communicate injury and rehabilitation updates to the Head Athletic Trainer and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures in the Astros Handbook, PC&P Handbook, Medical Department Handbook, and communications from the Director of Player Care and Performance.
Manage, hire, and train all Applied Sport Science interns.
Perform other duties as assigned.