VALD Performance Science Fellowship

Description

U.S. Soccer Overview

The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.

We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That is why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of U.S.

U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitious plans for U.S. Soccer in the near and far future. We are, therefore, looking for dynamic servant leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility, and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.

Position Description 

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is launching the inaugural Performance Science Fellowship, a unique one-year development opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of high-performance practitioners.

Funded through a strategic collaboration with VALD, one of the world's leading sports science and human performance technology companies, this fellowship provides unparalleled exposure to elite athlete preparation, applied research, data analytics, innovation, and integrated performance support.

Based at the new National Training Center (NTC), the fellow will work across Youth National Teams, Extended National Teams, Coach Education, and Performance Innovation initiatives while collaborating with practitioners in performance medicine, strength & conditioning, performance science, performance nutrition, analytics and innovation.

This position is designed for an early-career practitioner who wants to bridge the gap between academic performance science and applied high-performance sport.

Fellowship Objectives

The Performance Science Fellow will:

• Support the delivery of an integrated performance support model across the National Training Center 
• Translate performance data into actionable insights for coaches and practitioners 
• Assist with athlete testing, monitoring, and reporting using industry-leading technologies 
• Contribute to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing initiatives 
• Develop expertise in applied sports science within an elite international sporting environment 

The fellowship is intended to create future leaders who combine scientific rigor with practical impact.

Primary Responsibilities

Performance Science & Athlete Monitoring

• Support athlete profiling, testing, and monitoring across National Team programs 
• Assist with force, strength, wellness, and movement assessments utilizing VALD technologies and other performance systems 
• Prepare performance dashboards and reports for multidisciplinary staff 
• Help maintain data quality, integrity, and longitudinal athlete records 
• Integrated Performance Support
• Work collaboratively with practitioners across pe literature reviews and evidence synthesis 
• Translate emerging research into practical recommendations for coaches and staff 

Education & Knowledge Sharing

• The fellow will play an active role in advancing practitioner education by supporting initiatives such as performance science presentations, internal learning sessions, National Training Center educational events, practitioner workshops and digital educational content and articles 

Technology & Data

• Develop practical expertise using VALD HumanTrak, ForceDecks, ForceFrame, SmartSpeed, Dynamo, Teamworks athlete management systems and Performance dashboards and visualization tools 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree (or completion by August 2026) in Exercise Science, Sports Science, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Performance Analytics, Data Science or Related discipline
• General knowledge of soccer
• Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
• Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
• Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience working with elite or collegiate athletes 
• Knowledge of athlete monitoring and performance testing 
• Statistical analysis and data visualization experience 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams 
• Curiosity, humility, and a growth mindset 

U.S. Soccer offers a comprehensive compensation package, casual work environment, an inclusive culture, and an atmosphere for professional development.

U.S. Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.