Performance Scientist, LAFC 2 and Academy

Position Overview

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators from various industries with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in entertainment, sports, technology, and media. The club is invested in the world’s game and in Los Angeles—constructing and developing the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

The Performance Scientist, LAFC 2 & Academy, is responsible for enhancing and supporting player fitness, health, safety, and on-field performance while complying with all MLS, MLS NextPro, and MLS Next league policies and protocols. This role utilizes data science and data visualization to facilitate insights, shape programming across performance, injury prevention, medical care, and return-to-play, and reports directly to the Performance Manager.

Compensation: $70,000 - $75,000 per year

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all data streams including in-training and game tracking.
• Evaluate player performance through performance testing, workload monitoring, and other team-specific metrics.
• Utilize collected data to educate, counsel, and provide feedback to staff and players on strategies to improve performance.
• Design, modify, and apply assessment protocols to analyze the demands of the sport and the capabilities of LAFC 2 and Academy athletes.
• Analyze performance data using sports science technologies to provide insights for optimizing training and recovery.
• Educate athletes and staff on scientific principles related to performance, recovery, and injury prevention.
• Maintain accurate records of performance metrics, training loads, and recovery data.
• Stay current with sports science research and advancements to ensure best practices are applied.
• Support the development of a data-driven approach to athlete management and performance enhancement.
• Manage, design, and implement weight room physical testing protocols.
• Collaborate with the Strength and Conditioning, Medical, and Performance teams in designing and administering individualized pre-training activation protocols, in-season strength training sessions, and activation/regeneration sessions as needed.
• Assist with on-field warmups and end-stage rehab sessions in collaboration with the Strength and Conditioning, Performance, and Medical teams.
• Document activities in the League Electronic Medical Record system.
• Serve as a liaison with the league, ensuring compliance with the MLS Medical Manual and league policies.
• Perform other duties and tasks as designated by Supervisor/Management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a related field, or National Federation’s equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role at an elite/professional sports team; experience with an MLS Academy is preferred.
• Certified Performance Sports Scientist (CPSS) certification by NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) is required.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning certification by NSCA, UKSCA, ASCA, or an equivalent internationally recognized certification is required.
• CPR certification is required.
• Previous experience in a multi-disciplinary sports medicine and sports science department is a plus.
• Excellent analytical skills with proven data visualization abilities (e.g., Power BI or similar tools).
• Experience utilizing sports science technologies, such as Catapult GPS, FirstBeat, and Vald Performance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to quickly build trust and relationships with players and staff.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to effectively translate and communicate complex data in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Flexible work schedule with availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to obtain or hold a valid and current U.S. passport and travel with the team as required.