Research & Innovation Associate

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Notre Dame Athletics develops and challenges each student-athlete to pursue excellence and serve as a force for good in the world. Our vision is to lead collegiate athletics by defining the integrated student-athlete experience and forming champions. To do this, we are eager to attract, recruit, develop and retain individuals who positively contribute to a collaborative, connected culture where all may thrive.

As a prospective member of Notre Dame Athletics, we invite you to apply if you have a shared purpose for our distinctly integrated student-athlete experience, an unrivaled passion for people who propel a dynamic and high performing organization, and a proven record of success in your field.

The Research & Innovation Associate plays an integral role in supporting the Health & Performance team by advancing research, performance testing, and data-driven initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience. Working across Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, Sport Psychology, Nutrition, and Analytics, this position helps ensure the effective collection, management, and application of performance data to support athlete development and well-being.

This role is responsible for facilitating internal and external research projects, coordinating performance testing activities, and maintaining the equipment and systems necessary to support accurate data collection. Responsibilities include equipment calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, data preparation, analysis, and visualization to provide meaningful insights that inform decision-making across the department.

Reporting to the Sr. Associate Athletics Director, the Research & Innovation Associate will collaborate closely with Health & Performance staff and serve as a key partner in advancing evidence-based practices and innovative solutions that support competitive excellence. The position is expected to actively participate in regular meetings with Health & Performance leadership and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Notre Dame Athletics develops and challenges each student-athlete to pursue excellence and serve as a force for good in the world. Our vision is to lead collegiate athletics by defining the integrated student-athlete experience and forming champions. To do this, we are eager to attract, recruit, develop and retain individuals who positively contribute to a collaborative, connected culture where all may thrive.

As a prospective member of Notre Dame Athletics, we invite you to apply if you have a shared purpose for our distinctly integrated student-athlete experience, an unrivaled passion for people who propel a dynamic and high performing organization, and a proven record of success in your field.

The Research & Innovation Associate plays an integral role in supporting the Health & Performance team by advancing research, performance testing, and data-driven initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience. Working across Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, Sport Psychology, Nutrition, and Analytics, this position helps ensure the effective collection, management, and application of performance data to support athlete development and well-being.

This role is responsible for facilitating internal and external research projects, coordinating performance testing activities, and maintaining the equipment and systems necessary to support accurate data collection. Responsibilities include equipment calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, data preparation, analysis, and visualization to provide meaningful insights that inform decision-making across the department.

Reporting to the Sr. Associate Athletics Director, the Research & Innovation Associate will collaborate closely with Health & Performance staff and serve as a key partner in advancing evidence-based practices and innovative solutions that support competitive excellence. The position is expected to actively participate in regular meetings with Health & Performance leadership and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Support performance testing initiatives across all Health & Performance areas, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.
• Coordinate and facilitate internal and external research projects that support student-athlete health, wellness, and performance.
• Perform equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal functionality and data integrity.
• Prepare, manage, analyze, and visualize performance data to generate actionable insights for Health & Performance staff.
• Collaborate with Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, Sport Psychology, Nutrition, and Analytics professionals on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.
• Attend and contribute to regular meetings with Health & Performance leadership and stakeholders.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement efforts that enhance athlete performance and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 6 to 12 months of research experience required
• Bachelor's degree in kinesiology, biomechanics, physiology, data science, other sports-related scientific discipline or related discipline
• Master’s degree preferred
• Superb verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills with the capacity to work with a wide variety of constituents, including coaching staff members, support staff members, and student-athletes
• Excellent judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Exemplary commitment to both the University and department’s mission
• Proven ability to prioritize and perform complex and varied assignments in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position requires a regular on-campus presence ( NO REMOTE WORK ).

Additional Information

Salary: Up to $60,000

Applications will be accepted through June 28, 2026

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

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