Applied Sport Science PhD Studentship (Youth Development Phase)

Organisation: Rangers Football Club Limited
Salary: Competitive
Location: Rangers Training Centre
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 15 September 2025
Job Description: BACKGROUND
Rangers Football Club, formed in 1872, is one of the world’s longest established and most successful clubs, having won 55 League titles, 34 Scottish Cups, 28 League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972.

Few clubs can match Rangers for history, heritage, and tradition, and it resides in the top 10 strongest football brands according to the YouGov UK Brand Index.

Playing at the iconic 51,700 seat Ibrox Stadium and benefitting from a world-class 37-acre training facility, the club has been a leading light in Scottish, British and European football for decades.

The club benefits from a famously loyal support and the high volume of season ticket uptake means the club features in the top 19 average attendances in Europe. It is estimated that Rangers has a global fanbase of 4m, half of which are based in the UK.

JOB TITLE: Applied Sport Science PhD Studentship (Youth Development Phase)
PLACEMENT REPORT : Head of Academy Performance
LOCATION: Rangers Training Centre, Milngavie
CONTRACT: 3 years, Full Time

THE PLACEMENT
An exciting opportunity has arisen to undertake a fully funded applied PhD Studentship in conjunction with the University of Birmingham and Rangers FC. The purpose of this role is to combine postgraduate research with the development of practitioner based applied sport science skills developed through assisting in the delivery of the sport science and fitness strategy in the Academy at Rangers. The position will be for a 3-year period subject to the satisfactory progress of the individual in the role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of the Academy Performance team and as a doctoral student, the key responsibilities of this role are:
· To plan and complete a programme of research suitable for a PhD related to football performance.
· Engage with a programme of applied sport science related training associated with the development of relevant competencies for applied practice within elite football.
· Assist in the support of the delivery of the Academy performance strategy in areas such as: Data collection, management and analysis, growth and maturation assessment, development and delivery of on-pitch and gym-based training sessions, regular performance testing and associated interpretation and reporting of results, and attendance at selected games and training.
· To fulfil the academic, professional and personal requirements associated with the completion of tasks linked to the completion of doctoral level postgraduate research and the role of a trainee practitioner in elite football.

THE CANDIDATE
The candidate attributes include:

Job Knowledge:
· Sports Science or related experience in elite sport.

Education and Qualifications:
· Essential: MSc in Sport Science or related field.
· Knowledge and practical experience of Sports Science & Coaching techniques in youth athletes.
· Experience of engagement with players within an elite football environment ideally within the context of sport science related activities.
· Demonstrate activity related to accreditation with a professional body relevant to sport and exercise science.

Personal Attributes:
· Engaging personality and able influencer with the ability to adapt to fresh challenges.
· Excellent communication skill both written and verbal with the ability to manage time effectively and efficiently to achieve all aspect of role is a prerequisite. Maintains high standards; strives to be the best you can be and deliver the best work performance you can.
· Good team player, as well as ability to work on own initiative. Flexible approach to working hours a must.
· Sees projects and tasks through to the end, approaches tasks with enthusiasm, displays ability and determination in overcoming challenges.
· Displays positive behaviour and knowledge required for communicating and sharing ideas, working within own team and with other departments.
· Actively identifying new areas for learning, regularly creates and takes advantage of learning opportunities, using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learning through their application.

LATEST CLOSING DATE: 15th September

Please note, we may close vacancies early where we receive significant numbers of applications, so don’t delay!

EQUALITY & INCLUSION

At Rangers Football Club we are ambitious about diversity and inclusion. If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Rangers Football Club also welcomes applications from suitably qualified members of the armed forces family.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The candidate must keep up to date with new methods and undertake any necessary internal or external training sessions in accordance with Club Policies and Procedures.
How to apply: Please apply directly to our recruitment website linked here: https://rangershr.jobs.people-first.com/jobs/details/recruitment%2Fjobdetails%2Fb6010eed-f001-4fd7-a06c-198c171ea790