Applied Biomechanics and Performance Data Scientist Lead

This is a Full Time Job

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Applied Biomechanics and Performance Data Science Lead to join our NBA Athlete Care & Performance Department. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of human movement, biomechanics, sports performance and injury prevention, with a consistent record of applying biomechanical principles and performance data science methodologies to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risks. This role must collaborate effectively with our coaching staff, medical team, and strength & conditioning coaches, providing data-driven insights that lead to measurable improvements in player performance. In addition, this role will ensure data is accurate, valid, and reliable by overseeing its collection, processing, and validation. This position offers significant growth potential, particularly in applied biomechanics, and provides the opportunity to lead initiatives that drive both biomechanical and performance data science insights across the organization.

Are you a forward-thinking professional with experience in managing data pipelines, building performance models, and integrating biomechanics data with other performance metrics? We'd love to hear from you!

Responsibilities:
• Conduct detailed biomechanical assessments of players using motion capture systems, force plates, and wearable technology in collaboration with performance and medical department.
• Analyze and interpret movement patterns to identify inefficiencies, injury risks, and opportunities for performance enhancement.
• In collaboration with the Medical, Strength and Conditioning Teams, develop and implement individualized corrective strategies to optimize player movement and reduce injury risks.
• Use advanced biomechanical hardware and software (e.g., Vicon, Qualysis, Visual3D, IMU, Plantiga) to collect and analyze data on player movements.
• Integrate biomechanical data with other performance metrics to provide comprehensive insights into player performance.
• Collaborate with the Medical, Strength and Conditioning teams as well as Coaching staff to interpret data, answer questions, and problem solve.
• Drive actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Help develop and maintain performance tracking systems to monitor player progress over time.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on biomechanical assessments and performance trends to Medical, Strength and Conditioning team, Coaching staff and Management.
• Use data-driven insights to make informed recommendations for performance improvements, return to play decisions, and injury prevention.
• Work closely to design and monitor injury prevention programs.
• Support the rehabilitation process by providing sports science and biomechanical insights to guide return-to-play protocols.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches to align sports science and biomechanical insights with training programs.
• Monitor the impact of training interventions on player movement and make adjustments as needed.
• Stay updated on the latest research and advancements in biomechanics and sports science.
• Implement new technologies and methodologies to continually improve the team's performance capabilities.
• Contribute to the development of innovative, evidence-based solutions to improve athlete care and performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Master's or Ph.D. in Sports Science or Biomechanics. Degrees in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or related fields also valued.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably working with elite athletes or in a professional sports environment.
• Proven track record of applying biomechanical principles to improve athletic performance.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team including medical, strength and conditioning, and sports science is ideal.
• Proficiency in biomechanical hardware and software such as Vicon/Qualysis, Visual3D.
• Strong data processing/analysis skills, with experience using MATLAB, Python, R, or similar tools.
• Strong data visualization skills, with experience producing reports for collaborators with varying knowledge levels.
• Familiarity collecting, processing and reporting GPS/LPS data (ex. Kinexon, Catapult). Familiarity processing and reporting optical tracking data (ex. Hawkeye) is a plus.
• Relevant certifications in strength and conditioning (e.g., CSCS) or sports science are preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex biomechanical concepts to non-technical partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Flexbility to travel for away games, training camps, and conferences as needed.

Pay Range: $150-250k USD.

Benefit Eligibility: This role is eligible to participate in health and welfare benefits.