Research Associate in Professional Football Psychology

Part-time (0.4 FTE, 14.8 hrs per week); fixed-term to 30 June 2026.

This project involves the development of a performance psychology framework to support football players’ development into professional athletes. Integrating the best available research with service expertise in the professional football context, the framework will guide psychologists’ and coaches’ support of talented players’ psychosocial and performance development. The vision being to develop players’ critical awareness and know-how to enable them to apply their mind, skills, techniques, strategies, and tactics to the same high standard every time they perform – in other words, to acquire and maintain a ‘champion mentality’.

The Research and Innovation Assistant/Associate will be an integral member of the research team: David Fletcher (Professor of Human Performance and Health, Loughborough University), Perry Stewart (Head of Academy Performance, Arsenal Football Club), Sapna Sharma (Academy Psychologist, Arsenal Football Club), Adam Bracey (Academy Psychologist, Arsenal Football Club), and MSc Student (Loughborough University).

The ideal candidate will have an PhD in sport and/or psychology and a background in performance, sport-related research and practice. In addition, he or she may have or be undertaking CASES Accreditation and/or BPS Qualification in sport and exercise psychology, and/or HCPC Registration in sport and exercise psychology.

This part-time post is offered on a fixed-term contract until 30 June 2026.

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description or Person Specification.

Informal enquiries should be directed to David Fletcher, Professor of Human Performance and Health, via email to D.Fletcher@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 223271.

Closing Date: 16 November 2025

Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible. This has been identified as a role that could work dynamically and, if successful, your line manager will discuss these informal arrangements with you. Please note that there is a general expectation that the successful candidate will spend the majority of time working on the Loughborough campus.

Our Benefits
We’re committed to creating an environment where you can flourish. You’ll enjoy generous time off, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, plus a holiday purchase scheme. Other benefits include flexible and hybrid working options, family-friendly support, world-class sporting facilities, and a wide range of financial, health, and sustainability perks. Discover more  about our full range of rewards and benefits.

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