Careers in sport science and engineering
So you want to be a sports engineer?
For many people, a career in sports engineering seems like the perfect way to combine their passion for sport and technology. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have established a career in sports engineering will probably agree that we are very lucky indeed. Of course, the practical realities of this job are sometimes a little less glamorous than you might think, but to be able to work in a sector that holds such a special fascination is a very privileged position indeed.
Over the years, a great many people have asked me how to best gain a foothold in the world of sports engineering. Unfortunately it is not always clear what the various options are, or what career opportunities might lay ahead. This article will attempt to provide a little clarity, and hopefully some helpful advice!
First of all, it is important to understand what sports engineering actually is. Opinions may differ, but in essence, sports engineering is concerned with the research and development of technologies for the sports industry. The field is very broad and encompasses a wide range of activity. Sports engineers can be involved with projects as diverse as designing mountain bike suspension to developing image processing algorithms. The subject is fundamentally technical in its nature and attempts to quantify the performance gains that might be achieved through a particular design or method. It is important to recognise that the sports engineer is not a sports scientist; and whilst there is a good deal of overlap, the two fields are actually quite distinct. I have often remarked that a sports scientist is concerned with what is going on inside an athlete whilst the sports engineer deals with everything on the outside; namely their equipment and environment. Whilst this definition may not be completely robust, there is a modicum of truth in it!
Many sports engineers have a background in a traditional academic discipline such as mechanical engineering. Previous study in an area such as this provides a solid platform to develop the specialist expertise required by industry. However, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering is certainly not the only route that can be taken; many sports engineers have backgrounds in electrical engineering, material science, medical physics, mathematics or pure physics to name a few. Also, there are an increasing number of sports engineering and sports technology degree programmes; more of which below. Because sports engineering encompasses such a broad church of activity, individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds can be very successful. Nonetheless, a common trait is apparent in all successful sports engineers, and that trait is a love for sport that can only be rivalled by their obsession for science and technology.
Over the past decade, a great many new undergraduate courses in sports engineering have appeared in university prospectuses, particularly in the UK. This trend reflects the maturity of sports engineering as an established academic field and a growing sports equipment industry that is driven by technical performance. Undergraduate courses in sports engineering differ widely in their quality and scope. Some excellent courses are essentially a traditional engineering degree that has been modified to use sporting examples; whist other courses are more focused on product development and are allied to industrial design. If you are thinking of starting an undergraduate degree in sports engineering it is really very important to know what type of course you are looking at. Is the course accredited by a professional engineering body such as the IMechE? Is this important to you? Have graduates been successful in gaining employment within the sports equipment industry? Are the skills that you will be developing on the course transferable to other sectors?
Careers in sports engineering are real but they are less abundant than in other fields of engineering. Unfortunately not all graduates will be able to find their dream job when they graduate and many will transfer to other areas. A good question to ask before you start might be; what would an employer from a different engineering sector think my sports engineering degree?
In my experience, employers look for engineering skill first and knowledge of sport thereafter. This is somewhat obvious, but alas many individuals assume that just because they love sport they have the necessary attributes to become a successful sports engineer. The reality is that sport is a competitive business and just as companies will look to the best athletes to endorse their products, they will also look to the best engineers to conduct research and development.
It is my personal opinion that it is often better to develop a broad and solid grounding in a subject area before specialising in a specific field. One should really try to understand the fundamental science in question before the application. In this respect I think that a post-graduate qualification (MSc) in sports engineering is a sensible option. Developing your core skills in a technical subject during your first degree allows you to keep your options open, and a post-graduate qualification will enhance and apply your existing knowledge base to the sporting environment.
There is no formula for becoming a sports engineer and unfortunately no university course can guarantee you success in your ambitions. Ultimately it comes down to perseverance, making the most of every opportunity, taking a chance and perhaps just a little bit of luck!
Dr David James, Senior Lecturer, Sports Engineering Group, Sheffield Hallam University
Job vacancies
Posted 19 April 2013
PhD Researchers
Loughborough University (LU) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
The Institute of Sports Research (ISR) in collaboration with Loughborough University (LU) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is looking for graduate scientists and engineers with a genuine passion for sports and engineering to undertake Ph.D. research programmes commencing September 2013 and further positions in early 2014.
The ISR, based in Singapore, aims to achieve a global reputation as a premier international hub in the Asia-Pacific region for conducting leading-edge sports research and development, bringing together sports science and sports technology expertise from LU with world renowned engineering expertise from NTU.
These prestigious research projects will involve spending time at both institutions and will result in a joint PhD being awarded by both Institutions.
• Applicants must possess a first class or good upper second class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science / Engineering, Physical Science or a sport related field
• Good practical laboratory and problem solving skills
• High computer literacy (MS Office)
• Excellent communication skills; high levels of spoken and written English are essential.
For more information and to apply please send a CV and covering letter describing your suitability for the position to: Director, Institute for Sports Research, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore D-ISR@ntu.edu.sg
Posted 5 March 2013
Editor in Chief
ISEA Journal - Sports Engineering
The ISEA is seeking a replacement for the current Editor in Chief, Dr Martin Strangwood, whose term of office finishes in June 2013. The Journal is now in its 14th year and is published 4 times a year by Springer. Two Associate Editors were appointed recently to support the Editor in Chief. An Editorial Board is in position to support the Journal. The Editor in Chief will receive an annual performance-related stipend. It is expected that the appointed person will already hold a senior position in academia or other research establishment and will have a track record of publishing in sports related areas. Non-members of the ISEA may apply. The appointment will be for a three year term with the possibility of extension for a further term.
Potential applicants may wish to discuss this vacancy with the ISEA President, Dr Kim Blair, kbb@cooperperkins.com , Desk: +1 781 538 5536, Mobile: +1 781 266 6375 or with Professor Alan Bramley, Past President ISEA, A.N.Bramley@bath.ac.uk, Tel: +44 1904 848426.
Further details are available from Professor Alan Bramley to whom applications for the post should be submitted.
The deadline for applications is Friday 29 March 2013.
Posted 15 January 2013
adidas innovation team/Loughborough University
The adidas innovation team (ait.) in collaboration with the Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute are looking for graduate engineers with a genuine passion for sports and engineering to undertake Ph.D. research programmes starting throughout 2013 that will help to shape the future of adidas performance products.
The Sports Technology Research Group and the adidas Innovation Team have both developed international reputations for excellence within the Sports Engineering Industry. The research projects will be carried out principally studying with the Sports Technology Research Group in the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University, UK, with time also spent as a member of the adidas Innovation Team at the global Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, or at other appropriate adidas sites around the world.
Education & Skills:
- Applicants must possess a first class or good upper second class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physical Science or a related field
- Preferred experience in using CAE & CAD tools like ABAQUS, Hyperworks, Rhino, ProE or similar
- Good practical laboratory and problem solving skills
- High computer literacy (MS Office)
- Excellent communication skills; high levels of spoken and written English are essential.
For more information and to apply please send a CV and covering letter describing your suitability for the position to:
James Tarrier
adidas innovation team
Andy Harland
Sports Technology Research Group, Loughborough University
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Posted 13 December 2012
Two posts at The University of Sydney
PROFESSOR OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES / CHARLES PERKINS CENTRE
REFERENCE NO. 2201/0710
The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney is the largest and most comprehensive grouping of health care professions, researchers and teachers in Australia. The faculty vision is to serve the nation and the international community in contributing to better health for all. This aligns with the new multidisciplinary research initiative in the University in the area of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, realised in the establishment of the new Charles Perkins Centre. The centre involves the construction of a $385 million state-of-the-art research and teaching facility, and the development of an academic entity headed by Professor Stephen Simpson.
To this end, we are seeking to appoint a highly-motivated professor (Level E) to provide leadership in the Discipline of Physiotherapy, which has teaching and research teams in musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory, and neurological physiotherapy. Applications from candidates with expertise in any of these areas are welcome, as would applications from candidates in cognate fields and disciplines. We are also interested in research leaders in areas such as muscle physiology, motor control, or the social aspects of the profession such as health service delivery.
Working collaboratively with clinicians and academics, you will pursue a research program and teach in the area of physiotherapy, as well as supervise postgraduate research students and contribute to the discipline’s academic programs. You will draw upon your active research program to lead the development of physiotherapy approaches in the research agenda of the Charles Perkins Centre.
To be successful, you will demonstrate:
- a PhD in Physiotherapy or a closely related discipline
- outstanding scholarship and research of international standing including a successful grant and publication track record
- leadership in fostering excellence in research and research training, working collaboratively across sectors and disciplines
- ability to take an active role in the maintenance of academic standards in the development of educational policy in a discipline and of curriculum areas
- a strong commitment to the importance of teaching and to innovation in curriculum design and teaching methods, together with a distinguished personal contribution to teaching
- willingness and ability to represent the faculty’s scholarly and general interests within the University and the wider community
- participation in and provision of leadership in community affairs and policy development, particularly those related to the discipline in professional, commercial and industrial sectors .
You’ll be part of a rich multidisciplinary community in which innovative thinking is encouraged. This is an opportunity to lead cross-disciplinary research that translates into real-world solutions. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers in other foci of the faculty including clinical and rehabilitation sciences; health informatics; imaging; ageing; disability; community; mental health; and sexual health.
Term
The position is full-time continuing, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees. Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to apply
For more information and to apply, search by the reference number at sydney.edu.au/positions
Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Professor Kathryn Refshauge, Dean at fhs.dean@sydney.edu.au Enquiries about the recruitment process can be directed to Rodney Waterson on +61 2 8627 1214 or rodney.waterson@sydney.edu.au
Closing Date: 10 February 2013
PROFESSOR OF EXERCISE, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES / CHARLES PERKINS CENTRE
REFERENCE NO. 1095/0611
The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney is the largest and most comprehensive grouping of allied health professions, researchers and teachers within Australia. The faculty is a world leader in health sciences and allied health research and education.
The Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, known for its work in the application of exercise to health and human performance, is particularly committed to building on its strong academic and research credentials in the areas of exercise, health, and physical activity. This aligns with the new multidisciplinary research initiative in the University in the area of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, realised in the establishment of the new Charles Perkins Centre. The centre involves the construction of a $385 million state-of-the-art research and teaching facility, and the development of an academic entity headed by Professor Stephen Simpson.
To this end, we are seeking to appoint a highly-motivated professor (Level E) to pursue a research program and teach in the area of exercise, health and physical activity, as well as supervise postgraduate research students and contribute to the discipline’s academic programs. You will draw upon your active research program to lead the development of exercise, health and physical activity approaches in the research agenda of the Charles Perkins Centre.
To succeed, you will demonstrate:
- a PhD in exercise and sport science or closely related discipline
- an established research profile demonstrated by an outstanding publication record and track record in securing research grants relevant to exercise, health and physical activity
- significant experience in recruiting, supervising and supporting postgraduate research students
- a strong commitment to the teaching at all levels and to innovation in curriculum design and teaching methods, together with a distinguished personal contribution to teaching
- a proven record of leading research teams and working in a multidisciplinary team
- leadership skills and evidence of highly effective interpersonal skills.
You’ll be part of a rich multidisciplinary community in which innovative thinking is encouraged. This is an opportunity to lead cross-disciplinary research that translates into real-world solutions. You will also have the opportunity to teach in other courses offered by the faculty.
Term
The position is full-time continuing, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees. Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for new appointees. Level of appointment and responsibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to apply
For more information and to apply, search by the reference number at sydney.edu.au/positions
Specific enquiries about the role can be directed to Professor Kathryn Refshauge, Dean at fhs.dean@sydney.edu.au Enquiries about the recruitment process can be directed to Rodney Waterson on +61 2 8627 1214 or rodney.waterson@sydney.edu.au
Closing Date: 10 February 2013
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Posted 22 November 2012
adidas Innovation Team – Materials Engineer - Germany
We are looking for an engineer with both a passion for materials and sports equipment.
This excellent opportunity will allow a materials engineer to make a significant contribution to the future of athletic products.
Purpose:
Assist in the generation of expert materials engineering knowledge within the adidas innovation team. This knowledge is critical to the success of product and process innovations.
Job profile:
· Support the engineering team in all aspects of materials engineering.
· Conduct material characterisation, via in house testing and collaboration with external partners.
· Organise material data, reports and test results from all sources and communicate relevant information to developers and engineers.
· Maintain material knowledge systems and network to swiftly support innovation team activities
Materials Research and Testing
- Carry out experimental and literature research.
- Work together with internal and external research partners.
- Evaluate and interpret test results, in terms of their functional characteristics and their impact on athletic products.
Development of Materials Engineering Knowledge
- Work with the engineering team to develop materials innovation strategies for a.i.t.
- Develop material engineering knowledge via in house testing and external research.
- Use dedicated resources in the most economic manner.
- Act as a technical consultant to the developers and engineers.
Establish Strategic Partnerships
- Develop resources and competencies in anticipation of future needs.
- Build up an effective information network, which provides quick access to latest technical innovations.
- Travel to internal and external partners to follow up project work.
- Arrange confidentiality and strategic partnership agreements with external partners in co-operation with the adidas legal department.
Project Management and Communication
- Define and maintain engineering guidelines for material characterisation
- Build up a frequent information flow to developers and engineers
- Supply legal department with material data to aid product / technology / innovation / process / design protection
Your profile:
- University Degree in Materials Engineering or related area
- Experience of research environment and materials testing
- Experience in project management
- Excellent communication skills, fluent English
To apply please send detailed CV (Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position to:
Paul Smith, adidas Innovation Team / Engineering
Adi-Dassler-Str. 1
91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
Email: Paul.Smith@adidas.com
MS word attachments only
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Posted 22 November 2012
adidas Innovation Team - Postgraduate Program Engineer - Germany/USA
The adidas Innovation team is currently looking for engineers wishing to gain work experience in the sports industry through a postgraduate program. The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated teams working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation. The team is based out of two offices: Herzogenaurach, Germany and Portland, USA. As an Innovation team member you will be an active player of the Engineering group and you will experience a genuine opportunity to use your engineering competence to contribute towards advanced company projects. Main duties will include concept development, prototyping, computational simulation, materials and geometry optimisation, mechanical and field testing. Education & Skills: Graduated in Mechanical Engineering or similar degree.
High levels of spoken and written English are essential. Good working knowledge and experience of CAE and FE applications as well as MS Office are preferred. Genuine passion for the technical aspects of sport and a desire to apply engineering to sports products. The postgraduate program is for a consecutive period of six months and is open to all nationalities. Start dates are flexible and interviews are conducted throughout the year. Previous applicants need to indicate their continued availability for the post. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To apply please send detailed CV (Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position to:
Paul Smith, adidas Innovation Team / Engineering
Adi-Dassler-Str. 1
91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany
Email: Paul.Smith@adidas.com
MS word attachments only
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Posted 22 October 2012
TrackMan Baseball
Developer of Baseball Applications
TrackMan Inc. is seeking a qualified software developer with a passion for baseball and an entrepreneurial spirit to join our team as the Developer of Baseball Applications. This is a leadership role in a small, fast moving company working at the intersection of sports and technology.
In this highly visible role you will take ownership of developing applications for controlling, collecting, displaying and distributing data from TrackMan’s 3D radar system, which accurately measures the complete trajectory and spin rate of both hit and pitched baseballs.
Your software will be used by:
- Major League baseball teams and their minor league affiliates for player development and evaluation
- Broadcasters for editorial enhancements
- Equipment manufacturers for R&D and marketing
- Governing bodies for research and compliance.
Working initially as the sole developer in our US office and in close collaboration with a Denmark based development team, you will be responsible for designing, developing and testing TrackMan Baseball products; and as the business grows you will hire and manage a US based development team.
There is no template to follow because in many cases you will be breaking new ground. Your applications will often be used by highly skilled but non-technical people and success requires an attractive user interface that is easy to operate, and intuitive and actionable presentation of data in real-time and through a series of graphic reports.
To gain insights into the market, and all aspects of the practical applications of the software and usage scenarios, you will spend time in the field working with the end user and attending baseball events.
This is a great opportunity for a creative, independent thinker who is ready to grow into a management role.
Technical Qualifications:
- .Net programming in C#
- Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)
- Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
- Silverlight
- MVVM
- Web Services (SOAP)
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Efficient database design and queries
- Working knowledge of HTML5
- Sound documentation practices and strong written and verbal communication skills
Personal Attributes
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to work efficiently with a development team based overseas
- Ability to communicate efficiently with non-technical people
- Be comfortable working with and presenting to professional athletes
- Working knowledge of baseball
- Positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit
- Experience competing at a competitive level in at least one sport is a plus
Company Background
TrackMan Inc. is a US based wholly owned subsidiary of Denmark based TrackMan A/S.
TrackMan A/S has developed a range of products for the golf market and is considered the gold standard in measurement of ball flight and swing path. TrackMan's golf products are used by top touring professionals, teaching pros, broadcasters and governing bodies.
TrackMan Inc., based in Stamford, CT, is responsible for the introduction of TrackMan technology into the baseball market. TrackMan Baseball has developed stadium based and portable 3D radar systems that provide actionable information in real-time and through intuitive reports. We have penetrated the highest levels of the game and are now preparing to expand into additional markets.
The culture at TrackMan is casual, non-hierarchical and creative with an open flow of ideas between departments to stimulate entrepreneurial behavior. We have a small and rapidly growing staff dedicated to creating a game changing technology. Our customers are the best in the world at what they do, and we aspire to the same level of performance.
Inquiries should go to:
John Olshan
Jo@trackman.dk
259 Main Street, Ste. 2
Stamford, CT 06901
203-274-5894
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