Sport Scientist

Location: Brisbane (with travel across Queensland) Role Type: Full-Time, 3-year contract Reports to: SQ Coach Director

Background

Swimming Queensland (SQ) is seeking a Sport Scientist to develop and integrate sport science practices (biomechanics, physiology, skill acquisition, and performance analysis) into the daily training environment of Queensland swimming programs. The focus is on both coach development and athlete performance, from grassroots to elite pathway levels.

SQ is the peak body for competitive swimming in Queensland, with 224 swimming clubs and 15,000 swimming members. Its office is located at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Chandler. SQ is assisted in the administration of the sport by seven Regional Swimming Associations, and is a member association of Swimming Australia. 

The SQ Sport Scientist will report to the SQ Coach Director and will be a member of SQs athlete and coach development team, whose purpose is to support and strengthen the infrastructure of club and performance swimming in Queensland. Core activities include club, athlete and coach pathway development, education and support.

Role Purpose

The position will focus on delivering high quality, evidence-based support to athletes and coaches. It is designed to bridge the gap between research and applied practice, helping coaches incorporate sport science principles into their planning, feedback, and athlete development strategies. Through this integration, the Sport Scientist will contribute to building a sustainable, high-performance culture across all levels of swimming in Queensland.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with identified coaches and clubs to integrate movement science and physiological principles into daily training environments and SQ programs across Queensland.
• Design and deliver education programs for coaches in biomechanical analysis, skill development, and physiology.
• Serve as a technical sounding board to challenge and support coaching practices.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of sport science at clinics, camps, professional development workshops and meets as required.
• Maintain accurate records of performance data, club visits, service delivery metrics and club resource data in SQs database and provide quarterly reports on the services provided.
• Create and distribute up to date technical resources and educational content via workshops, online communication, and SQ publications.
• Plan and deliver structured athlete testing protocols (e.g., stroke efficiency, physiological benchmarks and movement quality to support targeted athlete development).
• Monitor and track athlete development and provide timely, data-driven feedback to coaches.
• Manage and maintain athlete performance data in Athlete Management Systems (AMS) in alignment with QAS and Swimming Australia standards.
• Work collaboratively with SQ, QAS, and national sport science networks to deliver coordinated, integrated performance outcomes.
• Contribute to the design, development and delivery of research and innovation projects that support performance gains.
• Translate current sport science research into practical, applied strategies within swimming environments.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of biomechanics, exercise physiology, performance analysis, and skill acquisition to athletes and coaches in high performance or pathway programs.
• Solid understanding of energy systems, training periodisation, and aquatic skill fundamentals relevant to swimming performance.
• Proficiency in using athlete data tracking tools, video analysis software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• High level organisational and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain effective partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders to identify, lead and deliver high quality integrated outcomes, including working alongside sport scientists and coaches to understand and implement world class movement science support in elite athlete environments.

Qualifications and Other Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Sport and Exercise Science or equivalent (minimum).
• ESSA Accredited Sport Scientist - Level 1 (ASpS L1).
• Minimum two years experience in sport science roles, or athlete development pathways.
• Valid Blue Card for working with children and young people.
• Current drivers licence and willingness to travel regularly.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Own vehicle is essential.

Recruitment Timeline

• Applications close: 9:00am Friday, 20 June 2025
• Interviews held: From Wednesday, 25 June 2025
• Appointment confirmed by: Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Note: All appointments are subject to background checks, including criminal history screening and Blue Card validation. Swimming Queensland adheres to the Swimming Australia National Integrity Framework