Senior Sports Scientist (P002276) Re-Advertisement
Position summary
About our company
Introduction
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To provide sports specific physical conditioning services for NWU Rugby players and Senior Varsity Cup team on the Potchefstroom Campus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Player Conditioning – field and gym / physical preparation of players (Varsity Cup / Senior A team).
- Work with players in the gym in respect of exercising and coaching.
- Conduct fitness tests on the field, determining load and intensity for both Junior and Senior players.
- Test players on a regular basis and determine physical conditioning plan, accordingly.
- Monitor the Junior players’ testing.
- Prescribe programmes accordingly.
2. Data Analysis / Observation of players / One-on-One sessions (Varsity Cup / Senior A team).
- Conduct programming in terms of gym work and engage in the interpreting of test results of Juniors players.
- Spot weakness areas and improve accordingly, based on the interpretation of test results.
- Extract and analyse data (GPS data, training volume and intensity) in respect of field work.
- Provide feedback to players and Rugby Institute Management on player's physical conditioning.
3. Programme writing (Varsity Cup / Senior A team / all junior teams) – evaluation and control of players (Varsity Cup / Senior A team).
- Compile gym and fitness programmes for work-out sessions in the gym, as well as field conditioning, speed and agility programmes.
- Evaluate players during monthly testing by conducting daily observations at training sessions.
- Conduct frequent testing according to applicable norms.
- Oversee programmes of Junior players working with the Junior Sport Scientist.
4. Administration, Supplementation and Clothing (Seniors and Juniors).
- Manage the income and expenses of supplements, clothing, etc., including ordering and stock control / hand-outs to players.
- Assist the Junior and Senior players with meal plans, dietary guidelines and overall health goals.
- Assist with the control of supplements for before and after sessions.
- Provide ad-hoc administrative tasks.
5. Guiding and monitoring of Junior Sport Scientists.
- Check and provide explanation of Junior players’ programmes.
- Oversee the training of Junior Sport Scientists through personal involvement and mentoring Provide monthly feedback to the Head of the Rugby Institute.
- Provide assistance with regards to creating standardised programmes for whole Rugby Institute programme.
Minimum requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in Sport Science / Human Movement Science / Biokinetics (NQF level 7).
- A minimum of three (3) years' experience in rugby-related on-field and gymnasium conditioning of Senior High School (U/18-U/19) or Senior Schools Provincial (U/18-U/19), Senior Varsity Cup level players, and/or Provincial Senior level or International.
- Basic Life Support or First Aid (Required within 4 months of employment if not available at recruitment stage).
ADDED ADVANTAGE:
- An honour’s degree Sports Science / Human Movement Science / Biokinetics
- Biokinetics: HPCSA
KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
- Correct exercise technique knowledge for on-field conditioning.
- Knowledge of evaluation, gym programme and gym equipment.
- Knowledge of the physiological preparation of players.
- Knowledge of modern play styles and requirements that the game places on players.
- Computer skills: e-mail, internet, diary management, and data analysis programmes.
- Mentoring of Junior Sport Scientist.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Motivating attitude toward players.
- Player discipline.
- Control and supervision of players and practice devices.
- Effective conflict management.
- Effective and efficient team functioning.
- Time management.
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. MP Taylor on 018 299 2428
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Mpho Langa on 0182992170
CLOSING DATE: 25 September 2026
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
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