Applied Performance & Health Practitioner

Full-time, fixed term (30 months)

We are seeking a motivated and talented individual to lead the implementation of a pioneering new framework at Northern Ballet; the UK’s foremost narrative ballet company, which will see the application of holistic sports science principles to professional dance. This 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to enhance dancer health, performance, wellbeing, and organisational efficiency through data-driven workload management, nutrition, recovery, and conditioning strategies.

We are looking for applications from postgraduates (MSc and above) in Sport & Exercise Science, Human Performance, Dance Science or related disciplines who have experience in monitoring performance within sporting or high-performance arts settings.

Candidates should demonstrate initiative, possess strong data analysis and project management abilities, and be able to effectively communicate and apply both data insights and academic expertise to facilitate informed, contextually appropriate decision-making.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project which provides you with an invaluable opportunity to fast-track your career development, gain senior-level experience, and establish your position as an industry leader in applied technology and innovation.

This role is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of academic experts from Leeds Beckett University’s School of Health and Carnegie School of Sport.

The Role

Supported by a comprehensive project plan you will work with the team at Northern Ballet and Leeds Beckett University to: 

• Evaluate Northern Ballet’s current provision, dancer outcomes, and development needs in relation to the proposed framework to inform an actionable implementation plan.
• Co-design individual data dashboards and protocols for performance optimisation, rehabilitation and injury prevention.
• Facilitate data collection and interpretation using advanced equipment.
• Collaborate with artistic and physiotherapy leads to integrate the proposed framework into daily practice and touring schedules.
• Work with the Northern Ballet academy dancers and staff to implement actionable best practice sports science provision.
• Lead training and knowledge dissemination activities for staff across Northern Ballet and its academy.
• Support the creation of resources, including CPD workshops, procedures and protocols that can be utilised internally and for consultancy and commercialisation.
• Conduct ongoing evaluation and refinement of the framework to ensure long-term sustainability. 

The Company

Founded in 1969 Northern Ballet is a prestigious National Portfolio Organisation, part-funded through the Arts Council. It is a charity operating primarily in the North of England but has a global reputation for dance storytelling and national reach through its vibrant touring programme.

You will be officially based at Northern Ballet in central Leeds, and you will feel, to all intents and purposes part of the Northern Ballet team.

The project provides dedicated budgets to support training and development (£5k) alongside opportunities to access the university’s pension scheme, staff benefits and discounts, staff training and development programmes as well as high level support from expert Leeds Beckett academics. The university also offers candidates the opportunity to study for a higher degree (MRes, MPhil or PhD) with a fee waiver in place.

Closing date: Sunday 5^th October 2025 (23:59)

For more information and to apply please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc565tnk

Please note that this post is subject to a criminal records check (Enhanced level)

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.

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