PhD Studentship - Data Science | Brentford FC

TheASPA
Cardiff
2 weeks ago
Create job alert
PhD Studentship - Data Science | Brentford FC

20 February 2026 | Research / PhD


PhD Studentship - Data Science | Brentford FC (Jobs in Sports Performance Analysis TheASPA)


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.



  • 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 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.


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.


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.


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

PhD Studentship - Data Science | Brentford FC

PhD Studentship: Machine Learning Density Functionals from Quantum Computing

PhD in Data Science for Elite Football Performance

Fully Funded Football Data Science PhD Fellowship

UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Environmental Intelligence: Data Science & AI for Sustaina[...]

PhD in Machine Learning & AI Research (UK)

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Machine Learning Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Machine Learning Job?

Machine learning is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of tech. But for job seekers it can also feel like a maze of tools, frameworks and platforms. One job advert wants TensorFlow and Keras. Another mentions PyTorch, scikit-learn and Spark. A third lists Mlflow, Docker, Kubernetes and more. With so many names out there, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you must learn everything just to be competitive. Here’s the honest truth most machine learning hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool. They hire you because you can solve real problems with the tools you know. Tools are important — no doubt — but context, judgement and outcomes matter far more. So how many machine learning tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the real number is far smaller than you think — and more logically grouped. This guide breaks down exactly what employers expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to structure your learning for real career results.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Machine Learning Job Applications (UK Guide)

Whether you’re applying for machine learning engineer, applied scientist, research scientist, ML Ops or data scientist roles, hiring managers scan applications quickly — often making decisions before they’ve read beyond the top third of your CV. In the competitive UK market, it’s not enough to list skills. You must send clear signals of relevance, delivery, impact, reasoning and readiness for production — and do it within the first few lines of your CV or portfolio. This guide walks you through exactly what hiring managers look for first in machine learning applications, how they evaluate CVs and portfolios, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting shortlisted at every stage — from your CV and LinkedIn profile to your cover letter and project portfolio.

MLOps Jobs in the UK: The Complete Career Guide for Machine Learning Professionals

Machine learning has moved from experimentation to production at scale. As a result, MLOps jobs have become some of the most in-demand and best-paid roles in the UK tech market. For job seekers with experience in machine learning, data science, software engineering or cloud infrastructure, MLOps represents a powerful career pivot or progression. This guide is designed to help you understand what MLOps roles involve, which skills employers are hiring for, how to transition into MLOps, salary expectations in the UK, and how to land your next role using specialist platforms like MachineLearningJobs.co.uk.