NIKE, Inc

Nike Performance Innovation Lead

NIKE, Inc • $80K — $120K *
Atlanta, GA 30349In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree in Sport Science or related field
  • 8+ years in applied sport science research and elite performance support
  • Experience with men's and women's sport programs
  • Expertise in biomechanical assessment methodologies
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience in multi-site or multi-team research management
  • Excellent communication skills to translate scientific concepts

Responsibilities

  • Support design and execution of applied research projects
  • Develop and maintain a multi-year research agenda
  • Build longitudinal datasets across various levels
  • Identify performance patterns and develop coaching recommendations
  • Pursue collaborations with universities and sport science organizations
  • Deliver assessments to National Teams during training camps
  • Translate research insights into actionable tools for staff

Benefits

  • Newly created role within a significant initiative from U.S. Soccer and Nike
  • Access to a purpose-built Performance Innovation Lab
  • Opportunity to work with 27 National Teams
  • Possibility to build unique longitudinal research datasets
  • Platform for high-impact publication and visibility
  • Cross-sport exposure through Nike's network
Full Job Description
Job Type

Full-time

Description

Position Description

This role sits at the intersection of elite applied sport science and rigorous research, and given its location, will be embedded within U.S. Soccer's daily operations while maintaining a strategic research agenda that generates new knowledge for the federation, its athletes, and the broader U.S. soccer ecosystem. As a Nike position, the role will also support select non-soccer Nike initiatives and athletes who access the facility and Performance Innovation Lab, creating cross-sport research opportunities.

Employment Notice

This position is contracted by Nike, Inc. Although posted on U.S. Soccer's career site and based at the U.S. Soccer Arthur M. Blank National Training Center, the successful candidate will be contracted solely by Nike and will be subject to Nike's code of conduct and handbook. Collaboration with and day-to-day direction from U.S. Soccer personnel does not create an employment, joint employment, agency, or contractual relationship with U.S. Soccer, which assumes no liability for employment-related matters associated with this role. By submitting an application for this position, applicants acknowledge that this will be a one year contracted role with potential for extension and that they have read and understand this Employment Notice.

Primary Responsibilities

This role will operate across two interconnected domains:

Applied Research
  • Support the design and execution of applied research projects aligned with performance priorities, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Develop and maintain a multi-year research agenda aligned with federation performance priorities and Nike's innovation interests
  • Build longitudinal datasets-including biomechanical profiles-spanning youth through senior levels across men's and women's programs
  • Identify cross-team performance patterns, developmental benchmarks, and evidence-based recommendations for coaching and performance staff
  • Pursue external collaborations with universities, research institutions, and sport science organizations to extend the reach and rigor of the research program
  • Present findings to internal stakeholders, at professional conferences, and through peer reviewed publication

Practitioner Services
  • Deliver biomechanical and performance science assessments to National Teams during training camps and residencies at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center
  • Develop standardized assessment protocols and normative databases that can be administered across all 27 teams, including by other qualified staff
  • Support Integrated Performance Support and Sporting staff by providing evidence-informed insights contributing to training, loading, recovery, and performance optimization decisions
  • Support select Nike-sponsored athletes from other sports who access the lab and campus, facilitating cross-sport data collection and innovation
  • Female 360: Contribute expertise to the design and delivery of U.S. Soccer's Female 360 health assessments and initiatives, supporting a holistic, athlete-centered approach to women's health and performance
  • Contribute to the development of a scalable service model delivered through the Performance Innovation Lab (e.g., testing, profiling, applied workshops, educational visits)
  • Translate research insights into practical, actionable tools and recommendations for coaching and performance staff

Lab & Campus Innovation
  • Support the procurement, commissioning, and ongoing execution of projects at the Performance Innovation Lab at the US Soccer Arthur M. Blank National Training Center
  • Drive the "campus-as-lab" vision: identify opportunities to instrument training environments, integrate technology into daily operations, and turn routine activities into data collection opportunities
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, methodologies, and tools for potential integration into the lab and broader campus infrastructure
  • Establish data governance, quality assurance, and athlete data privacy protocols for all research and assessment activities


Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Sport Science, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Sport Physiology, or a closely related discipline
  • Minimum of 8 years of combined experience in applied sport science research and elite sport performance support, including at least 3 years in a high-performance sport environment (e.g., professional club, national federation, institute of sport)
  • Experience working across both men's and women's sport programs
  • Demonstrated expertise in biomechanical assessment methodologies, including experience with force platforms, 3D motion capture, inertial measurement units, and/or pressure mapping systems
  • A peer-reviewed publication record that reflects both scientific rigor and applied relevance
  • Experience designing and managing multi-site or multi-team research projects
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts for coaches, medical staff, and organizational leadership
  • Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision while navigating a complex, multistakeholder organizational environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in elite football/soccer environments at the club or international level
  • Familiarity with the demands and structures of national team programs, including athlete availability constraints and multi-team coordination
  • Experience with longitudinal athlete monitoring and developmental tracking across age groups
  • Experience working with advanced soccer tracking technologies, including player surface interaction technology, is considered a strong advantage
  • Background in or exposure to sport technology innovation, product development, or industry academic partnerships
  • Proficiency with data management platforms, statistical software, and visualization tools used in applied sport science

What This Role Offers
  • A newly created role within a new, strategically significant initiative backed by both the U.S. Soccer Federation and Nike, Inc.
  • Access to a purpose-built Performance Innovation Lab at a world-class National Training Center
  • Unparalleled population access: 27 National Teams spanning youth through senior, men's and women's, all operating from a centralized campus
  • The opportunity to build longitudinal datasets and research programs that have no existing equivalent in world football
  • A platform for high-impact publication, professional visibility, and thought leadership in sport science
  • Cross-sport exposure through Nike's broader athlete network and innovation ecosystem

Key Relationships

The role maintains collaborative working relationships with National Team Integrated Performance, support staff, Nike's Sport Research Lab (NSRL) and innovation teams, and external academic and research partners.

Governance & Accountability

The role reports into the Nike's NSRL Team in Beaverton, OR and U.S. Soccer's Performance Innovation Team in Fayetteville, GA. U.S. Soccer research priorities are set collaboratively between U.S. Soccer leadership and Nike, with a defined engagement cadence (e.g., quarterly research updates, annual innovation reviews). The role holder is expected to maintain scientific independence and ethical standards in all research activities.

Day-to-day project priorities may be coordinated with designated U.S. Soccer personnel; however, Nike retains sole responsibility for all contract-related matters. Nothing in this reporting or collaborative structure shall be interpreted as creating an employment relationship between the employee and U.S. Soccer.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter addressing their vision for the role, and the names of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ
NKE
* Ladders Estimates

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