Football – Sports Science and Rehab Specialist

Hiring Department

Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Description

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a Football Sports Science and Rehab Specialist to support the health and performance of football student-athletes through applied sports science, rehabilitation support, and data-informed decision-making. This role focuses on return-to-play progression, injury risk mitigation, workload monitoring, and individualized performance support in collaboration with athletic training, medical staff, and football performance coaches.

Key Responsibilities

1.    Rehabilitation and Return to Play Support (30%)

•    Design and implement post-injury performance-based rehab progressions in coordination with athletic trainers, team physicians, and strength and conditioning staff. 
•    Bridge the gap between clinical rehabilitation and full football participation.

Hiring Department

Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Description

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a Football Sports Science and Rehab Specialist to support the health and performance of football student-athletes through applied sports science, rehabilitation support, and data-informed decision-making. This role focuses on return-to-play progression, injury risk mitigation, workload monitoring, and individualized performance support in collaboration with athletic training, medical staff, and football performance coaches.

Key Responsibilities

1.    Rehabilitation and Return to Play Support (30%)

•    Design and implement post-injury performance-based rehab progressions in coordination with athletic trainers, team physicians, and strength and conditioning staff. 
•    Bridge the gap between clinical rehabilitation and full football participation.
•    Lead or assist with on-field and performance-based reconditioning sessions for injured or modified athletes.
•    Monitor movement quality and readiness during rehab phases.
•    Assist with reconditioning plans following missed training time.

2.    Sports Science and Load Monitoring (25%)

•    Collect, analyze, and interpret athlete monitoring data. 
•    Track workload ratios, practice intensity, and cumulative stress. 
•    Provide actionable insights to the athletic performance, medical, and coaching staff to guide training and practice decisions. 
•    Identify trends related to injury risk, fatigue, and performance readiness.
•    Maintain accurate athlete performance and health records.

3.    Individualized Performance Programming (15%)
•    Develop individualized supplemental training plans for athletes based on position, injury history, and readiness status. 
•    Provide corrective movement efficiency programming. 
•    Support modified or limited athletes during team training sessions. 
•    Collaborate with athletic performance staff to adjust training loads without duplicating primary lifting responsibilities.

4.    Collaboration and Communication (15%)

•    Participate in daily or weekly performance meetings. 
•    Communicate athlete readiness, restrictions, and progress clearly and concisely. 
•    Educate athletes on recovery strategies, load management, and self-monitoring. 
•    Support coaching priorities while advocating for athlete health and availability.

5.    Recovery, Regeneration and Performance Support (10%)

•    Assist with recovery modalities (soft tissue work coordination, mobility, regeneration sessions, cold/heat strategies, etc.).
•    Educate athletes on recovery behaviors.
•    Support travel recovery strategies and game-week readiness.

6.    Other Duties and Compliance (5%)

•    Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Athletics & Executive Director of Athletic Performance.
•    Ensure compliance with University, NCAA, and SEC rules, policies, and procedures related to athletic performance activities.

Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Nights, Weekends, and Travel as required. 
 

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in related/relevant area and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in a Division I Football Program is preferred.   
 

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $53,000 - $55,000/year

Grade: GGS-9E

University Title: Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach 

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
 

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.  If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards.... 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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