Sport Scientist (P8) (Division for UJ Sport)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future"
Job description
“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
Job Description:
UJ Sport is a dynamic and progressive division within the University of Johannesburg, committed to excellence in sport, student development, and high-performance outcomes. UJ Sport provides an enabling environment that supports both competitive and mass participation sport, while promoting inclusivity and holistic Student-Athlete development. Through its integrated Athlete Support model, UJ Sport delivers high-quality, evidence-based Sport Science, Medical, Wellness, and Performance Services to ensure that Student-Athletes are empowered to excel academically, athletically, and personally.
Job Purpose:
To maximize physical performance ensuring elite sporting performance on a continuous basis to allocated clients and sporting codes.
Responsibilities:
- Define and implement a comprehensive Sport Science & Athlete Support plan for sporting codes in collaboration with the Club Manager and Coach.
- Conduct fitness testing and develop individualized, periodised training programmes with ongoing monitoring and reassessment.
- Provide scientific guidance to Coaches and players on performance, recovery, hydration, and injury prevention.
- Execution of the developed training programmes.
- Collaborate with medical and sport science professionals to deliver integrated, player-centred support services.
- Manage programme resources, documentation, reporting (quarterly and annual), and stakeholder communication.
- Identify research, work-integrated learning, and fundraising opportunities to support programme growth.
- Ensure good governance by monitoring risks, maintaining equipment standards, and upholding compliance.
- Engage in professional development and build strategic partnerships across sport structures.
Minimum requirements
- A Bachelors' degree (NQF 7) in Sport Science or related qualification.
- Three (3) years of relatable experience.
- Relevant Postgraduate courses.
- Excellent knowledge and experience in the field of Sport Science, strength in conditioning for multiple sports at university or semi-elite level.
- High competencies in sport specific assessment tools.
- Level 2 First Aid.
- Valid Code B driver’s license.
- Strong knowledge of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and training principles.
- Proficiency in performance software and advanced Excel reporting.
- Understanding of injury prevention and return-to-play integration within a multidisciplinary team.
Recommendations:
- An Honours Degree with a major in Sport Science.
- Previous experience in a higher education environment.
- A Master’ degree in Sport is desirable but not compulsory.
Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:
- Ability to design and implement periodised strength & conditioning programmes.
- Competence in athlete testing, monitoring systems (GPS, RPE, wellness tracking), and load management.
- Ability to analyse performance data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
- High level of professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking ability.
- Clear and confident communication with coaches, athletes, and medical staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a high-performance team environment.
- Organised, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented.
- Adaptable and composed under competitive pressure.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.