PhD Studentship - Data Science

Brentford Football Club and Cardiff Metropolitan University Fully-Funded PhD Studentship - Using data science to support the performance of Premier League football players

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Brentford Football Club and Cardiff Metropolitan University Fully-Funded PhD Studentship - Using data science to support the performance of Premier League football players

The Opportunity
Several exciting opportunities have arisen to undertake a fully funded applied PhD studentship in conjunction with Brentford FC and Cardiff Metropolitan University. The purpose of these roles is to combine postgraduate research with the development of practitioner-based skills through assisting in the delivery of the performance strategy at Brentford FC. Practitioner duties will primarily be with senior squads, while research may be conducted with these squads or younger age groups. The positions will be funded for a 3-year period subject to the satisfactory progress of the individual in the practical role and PhD. Candidates will have their tuition fees covered at the UK rate (£5,500) and will receive an annual stipend linked to UKRI rates (£21,383).

Key responsibilities

• To plan and complete a programme of research suitable for a PhD related to football performance.

• Engage in a programme of applied sport, and coaching science related training associated with the development of relevant competencies for applied practice within elite football.

• Assist in the delivery of the club-based performance strategy, such as data collection, data management and analysis, support regular performance testing, and associated interpretation and reporting of results. Attendance at selected games and training camps, if and when required.

• To fulfil the academic, professional, and personal requirements associated with the completion of tasks linked to doctoral level research and the role of a trainee practitioner in elite football.

The purpose of this PhD is to undertake a series of high-quality studies, which establish a theoretically informed performance programme in elite football, identifying areas to optimise provision for elite football players. More specific details on each project will be shared with those candidates invited to interview.

The Candidate

Successful candidates will have a strong academic track record that is relevant to the research area of interest, together with some experience of working in an applied performance setting. Experience of working in football is highly desirable.

Practitioner knowledge:

• Data science, data analytics, sports science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, fitness, or related experience in elite sport.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in elite sport, preferably football. Experience of engaging with athletes/players within an elite sport/football environment. Ideally, this experience should be within the context of sports science, coaching science, fitness, or related activities.

Education and Qualifications

• A good BSc (Hons) in data science, data analytics, mathematics, sports science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, or related field is essential.
• Desirable: postgraduate qualification in data science, data analytics, mathematics, sport science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, or related field.
• Demonstrate activity related to the ability to gain accreditation within a professional body relevant to data science/analytics or sport and exercise science.

Personal Attributes

• Experience of conducting applied research in football or other elite sports.
• Engaging personality and able person with the ability to adapt to fresh challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to manage time effectively and efficiently to achieve all aspects of the role.
• Good team player, and the ability to work on own initiative. A flexible approach to working hours is a must.

To apply for this opportunity, please submit the following:

• Your CV (max 2 pages)
• Your cover letter (max 1 page)
• Your research proposal (max 2 pages + references)

The proposal should align to the research theme and include a brief literature review related to the specific project area, with an outline of the studies that you would propose to complete to address the focus of the PhD programme.

Applications should be submitted through the portal at https://www.brentfordfc.com/en/careers

Note – applicants invited to interview will be asked to submit copies of their degree certificates, transcripts and evidence of any other relevant qualifications in advance of the interview.

Given the anticipated high-volume of applications received, we will only contact those applicants who are invited to interview.

For any questions about this opportunity, please contact Ryland Morgans at rmorgans@cardiffmet.ac.uk (https://pure.cardiffmet.ac.uk/en/persons/ryland-morgans)

Closing Date for Applications: 25th March 2026

1st Stage Interviews: likely w/c 20th April 2026

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is proud to be an organisation that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a culture that celebrates difference and ensures fairness, safety, representation, and belonging.

We recognise that some groups remain underrepresented in our workforce and are actively working to change this. As part of that commitment, we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds — particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.

We’re committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process, with all decisions made based on merit and suitability — regardless of background or protected characteristic. Should you be selected for interview, we welcome the opportunity to discuss any specific arrangements, accommodations or reasonable adjustments you may require to be made.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is fully committed to promoting equality, and to safeguarding the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and is a core part of the Club’s culture. All staff and volunteers share a collective duty to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment, both on and off the field.

To ensure this, all staff are required to complete regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This training supports a proactive and informed approach to safeguarding practice.

The successful candidate will be expected to understand, adhere to, and actively uphold all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes recognising signs of abuse or harm, responding appropriately, and reporting any concerns in a timely manner to the Club’s Safeguarding Team.

Brentford FC operates safer recruitment practices. We remind individuals that it is a criminal offence for a person barred from engaging in regulated activity to apply for a role that involves such activity.