Careers in sport science and engineering
So you want to be a sports engineer?
For many people, a career in sports engineering seems like the perfect way to combine their passion for sport and technology. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have established a career in sports engineering will probably agree that we are very lucky indeed. Of course, the practical realities of this job are sometimes a little less glamorous than you might think, but to be able to work in a sector that holds such a special fascination is a very privileged position indeed.
Over the years, a great many people have asked me how to best gain a foothold in the world of sports engineering. Unfortunately it is not always clear what the various options are, or what career opportunities might lay ahead. This article will attempt to provide a little clarity, and hopefully some helpful advice!
First of all, it is important to understand what sports engineering actually is. Opinions may differ, but in essence, sports engineering is concerned with the research and development of technologies for the sports industry. The field is very broad and encompasses a wide range of activity. Sports engineers can be involved with projects as diverse as designing mountain bike suspension to developing image processing algorithms. The subject is fundamentally technical in its nature and attempts to quantify the performance gains that might be achieved through a particular design or method. It is important to recognise that the sports engineer is not a sports scientist; and whilst there is a good deal of overlap, the two fields are actually quite distinct. I have often remarked that a sports scientist is concerned with what is going on inside an athlete whilst the sports engineer deals with everything on the outside; namely their equipment and environment. Whilst this definition may not be completely robust, there is a modicum of truth in it!
Many sports engineers have a background in a traditional academic discipline such as mechanical engineering. Previous study in an area such as this provides a solid platform to develop the specialist expertise required by industry. However, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering is certainly not the only route that can be taken; many sports engineers have backgrounds in electrical engineering, material science, medical physics, mathematics or pure physics to name a few. Also, there are an increasing number of sports engineering and sports technology degree programmes; more of which below. Because sports engineering encompasses such a broad church of activity, individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds can be very successful. Nonetheless, a common trait is apparent in all successful sports engineers, and that trait is a love for sport that can only be rivalled by their obsession for science and technology.
Over the past decade, a great many new undergraduate courses in sports engineering have appeared in university prospectuses, particularly in the UK. This trend reflects the maturity of sports engineering as an established academic field and a growing sports equipment industry that is driven by technical performance. Undergraduate courses in sports engineering differ widely in their quality and scope. Some excellent courses are essentially a traditional engineering degree that has been modified to use sporting examples; whist other courses are more focused on product development and are allied to industrial design. If you are thinking of starting an undergraduate degree in sports engineering it is really very important to know what type of course you are looking at. Is the course accredited by a professional engineering body such as the IMechE? Is this important to you? Have graduates been successful in gaining employment within the sports equipment industry? Are the skills that you will be developing on the course transferable to other sectors?
Careers in sports engineering are real but they are less abundant than in other fields of engineering. Unfortunately not all graduates will be able to find their dream job when they graduate and many will transfer to other areas. A good question to ask before you start might be; what would an employer from a different engineering sector think my sports engineering degree?
In my experience, employers look for engineering skill first and knowledge of sport thereafter. This is somewhat obvious, but alas many individuals assume that just because they love sport they have the necessary attributes to become a successful sports engineer. The reality is that sport is a competitive business and just as companies will look to the best athletes to endorse their products, they will also look to the best engineers to conduct research and development.
It is my personal opinion that it is often better to develop a broad and solid grounding in a subject area before specialising in a specific field. One should really try to understand the fundamental science in question before the application. In this respect I think that a post-graduate qualification (MSc) in sports engineering is a sensible option. Developing your core skills in a technical subject during your first degree allows you to keep your options open, and a post-graduate qualification will enhance and apply your existing knowledge base to the sporting environment.
There is no formula for becoming a sports engineer and unfortunately no university course can guarantee you success in your ambitions. Ultimately it comes down to perseverance, making the most of every opportunity, taking a chance and perhaps just a little bit of luck!
Dr David James, Senior Lecturer, Sports Engineering Group, Sheffield Hallam University
Job vacancies
Posted 29 June 2010
CENTRE FOR INNOVATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE ENGINEERING (CICE) at LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Engineering Doctorate in Monitoring and Maintenance of Artificial Sport Surfaces – 4 Year project
A Research Engineer is required to work on a project titled: Artificial Turf: Integrating Maintenance and Sport Surface Science. The industrial partner, Technical Surfaces Ltd., is based in Leicester. Sport surfaces are an important part of the leisure industry from grass roots to the professional level of participation, and public/private investment is very high. It is estimated there are more than 80,000 surfaces in use in England. The current maintenance advice and processes for artificial turf aim to prolong the life of these high capital cost assets, and the aspects of durability, play performance and safety are most pertinent to users. The current best practice is largely based on observation and experience and would benefit greatly from scientific study. The successful applicant will join a vibrant company at the forefront of advice and service within this growing industry.
Applicants should be highly motivated and have a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a science/engineering or related subject, Applicants with a 2.1 or better in an engineering, materials science or sport science degree are encouraged to apply. Applicants with industrial/academic experience in aspects of data analysis, mechanical processes, and material behaviour are specifically encouraged to apply. A strong work and teamwork ethic and good written and verbal communication skills are essential. A lower degree classification may be acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc).
The successful applicant will be registered full time on the Engineering Doctorate Programme. Further information on the EngD programme, project and application forms can be obtained form our web site at: http://www.cice.org.uk .
For informal enquires and applications please contact: Dr Paul Fleming 01509 222616, and/or the Centre Administrator, CICE, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3TU. Tel: 01509 228549, Fax: 01509 223982, E-mail: cice@lboro.ac.uk. Deadline for applications: 30 JULY 2010.
Posted 28 January 2010- PhD studentship at the University of Essex in sports, engineering and physics
A fully funded PhD position is available starting in October 2010. The aim is to develop new non-invasive methods of measuring muscle oxygen consumption during exercise using the optical properties of tissue. The project is part of an ongoing collaboration between the University of Essex, the British Olympic Association (BOA) and the Department of Medical Physics & Bioengineering at UCL. The project would be based in the Biophysics laboratory of the Centre for Sports and Exercise Science at Colchester, with the possiblilty of collaborative studies at the BOA's London research laboratories on the UCL Campus.
The project would suit a physiologist/sports scientist with an interest in quantitative methods or an engineer/ physicist / biochemist with an interest in applying their skills to sport.
Closing date for applications: 19th February 2010
For further details of the project and how to apply look at "Muscle oxygen consumption and sports performance" at www.essex.ac.uk/bs/pgrad/sships/studentships_2010.shtm
or contact Professor Chris Cooper directly (ccooper@essex.ac.uk).
Posted 25 January 2010- adidas Innovation Team Postgraduate Program - Germany/USA
The adidas Innovation team is currently looking for engineers wishing to gain work experience in the sports industry through a postgraduate program. The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated teams working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation. The team is based out of two offices: Herzogenaurach, Germany and Portland, USA. As an Innovation team member you will be an active player of the Engineering group and you will experience a genuine opportunity to use your engineering competence to contribute towards advanced company projects. Main duties will include concept development, prototyping, computational simulation, materials and geometry optimisation, mechanical and field testing. Education & Skills: Graduated in Mechanical Engineering or similar degree.
High levels of spoken and written English are essential. Good working knowledge and experience of CAE and FE applications as well as MS Office are preferred. Genuine passion for the technical aspects of sport and a desire to apply engineering to sports products. The postgraduate program is for a consecutive period of six to twelve months and is open to all nationalities. Start dates are flexible and interviews are conducted throughout the year. Previous applicants need to indicate their continued availability for the post. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To apply please send detailed CV (or Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position. To: Dr Tim Lucas, adidas Innovation Team / Engineering, Adi-Dassler-Str. 1-2, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, Email: tim.lucas@adidas.com<mailto:tim.lucas@adidas.com> MS word attachments only.
Full Professorship for Sport Biomechanics (W2) - Darmstadt University of Technology - Germany
(Ref.-No. for applications: 431)
The Department of Human Sciences – Pedagogy, Psychology and Sport Science – of Darmstadt University of Technology is planning to fill the position of a full professor at the Institute of Sport Science as soon as possible.
The professor is intended to cover the full area of Sport Biomechanics in research and teaching. Particularly the cooperation with selected areas of engineering at the University is expected (e.g., electrical engineering and information technology, mechanical engineering, materials and earth sciences and/or computer science). Working areas may comprise:
• Measurement and sensor technology (including Ubiquitous Computing)
• Electromechanical sensors
• Modelling and simulation
The University expects a qualified engagement in the bachelor and master programs, particularly
in the program “Sport Science and Computer Science”.
Prerequisites for employment are an academic university degree in Sport Science or other
related subjects (e.g., physics or computer science) and a qualified Ph.D. (see §§70 and 71
Hessisches Hochschulgesetz (HHG)). Furthermore applicants should possess an outstanding
capacity for scientific work and excellent didactic skills.
The position is tenure or tenure track with a remuneration package commensurate with
experience and qualifications, following the German "W-Besoldung". The regulations for
employment are specified under §§ 70 and 71 HHG.
Candidates who already hold a civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis) can be reappointed
under the same status.
The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female faculty members and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications severely disabled applicants will be given preference.
Please send your full application, including ref.-no., cv, list of publications, list of courses, list of funded projects etc. to the Dean of Dept. No. 3, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ellermeier, Alexanderstr. 10, 64283 Darmstadt.
Fore more information please call: ++49/(0)6151/162861 or 164877
Deadline for application: January 8th 2010
Posted 3 December 2009 - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader in Sport Engineering and Technology, Roehampton University, London, UK
Outline of the Post
The School of Human and Life Sciences is seeking to appoint a Reader/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Sport Engineering and Technology to join an active and enthusiastic team, which aspires to be recognised as an international academic centre of excellence in sport and exercise sciences. We are one of the most established departments in London, having taught undergraduate programmes since 1981 and postgraduate since 1996. We have an active programme of research with strong interests in physical activity, exercise and health, musculoskeletal biomechanics, environmental physiology, sport performance and psychological transition to high-level or professional sport. The team is also actively engaged in consultancy work, offering professional services to elite athletes and the public. The candidate will join this highly successful team contributing to the research and teaching activities of the School. We have well-equipped laboratories, including a complete motion analysis system, various types of motions sensors, an environmental chamber and an ergospriometry system, and a highly qualified technical team to support the academic work of the successful candidate. The candidate will be expected to develop links with industrial partners in knowledge transfer activities, and to work with the team in developing and using innovative technologies in sport sciences.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Professor Raymond Lee on 020 8392 3539 or at r.lee@roehampton.ac.uk
Application forms can be downloaded from our website at http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/about/jobopportunities/howtoapply.html .
Posted 23 October 2009 - Technical Product Designer, Slazenger, Mansfield, UK
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:
To deliver the creative process of technical product development for Dunlop Slazenger International brands and the Sports Direct Group, covering all sporting equipment categories, including racket sports, cricket, hockey and golf.
KEY FUNCTIONS:
- Develop innovative and commercial new product designs across all groups sporting equipment categories.
- Drive process for creation of new technologies designed to enhance product performance, brand value and consumer demand.
- Deliver as part of design team impactful graphic applications and cosmetic designs across all product categories.
- Provide creative content for best possible communication to both trade and consumer of new product designs and technologies.
- Relevant experience in CAD (ideally Solidworks, although not essential), 3D rendering and Illustrator/Photoshop, as well as a passion/knowledge of sports equipment. Sports industry specific experience an advantage but not essential.
Please click here for more details and how ro apply
Posted 7 October 2009 - Research Associate in Pervasive Sensing, Institute of Biomedical Engineering,ESPRIT with Pervasive Sensing, Imperial College, London, UK
Fixed-term appointment for 36 months
Salary Scale: £30,520 - £35,860 p.a
Applications are invited for the post of Research Associate in Pervasive Sensing. The candidate will be involved in a high profile project involving Imperial College London, Loughborough University and Queen Mary, University of London who have been awarded a major programme grant jointly funded by EPSRC and UK Sport for developing pervasive sensing technologies for elite sport performance research and training.
The project is aimed at understanding of the biology of athletic performance to gain insights into the human physiological system which will improve the health and wellbeing of the population at large. A number of government and commercial research institutions will also participate in this exciting new initiative.
The team behind ESPRIT consists of a multi-disciplinary cohort with complementary skills in body sensor networks, pervasive computing, smart textiles, biochemistry, biomechanics, mechanical engineering, automation, sports performance research and complex system modelling. The core research themes of the programme include:
- Generalised Body Sensor Networks;
- Optimised Sensor Design and Embodiment;
- Learning, Data Modelling and Performance Optimisation;
- Device and Technology Innovation.
The programme currently has five Research Associate positions, with more to be announced shortly, in the following areas:
- Sensor hardware design and low-power embedded systems
- Low power mixed signal ASIC
- Wireless sensor networks and real-time distributed processing
- Biosensor design and device miniaturisation
- Biomechanical and human performance modelling
- Bio-signal processing, data mining and pattern recognition
Candidates applying for the Research Associate in Pervasive Sensing should have a PhD (or equivalent) in Computing, Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering (or related discipline), together with considerable experience in interdisciplinary research. Preference will be given to applicants with a proven research record and publications in the relevant areas. Candidates should also have competence at writing and presenting in scientific English at a level suitable for international conferences and peer reviewed journal publications.
Details of the project can be found at http://ubimon.doc.ic.ac.uk/esprit as well as the Imperial College London employment website at www.imperial.ac.uk/employment and on www.jobs.ac.uk.
Our preferred method of application is online via our website at the following link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (select “Job Search” and enter the job reference no EN20090198). Please complete and upload an application form as directed and submit any other relevant supporting documents such as your fullCV.
Please contact Dr Benny Lo (benny.lo@imperial.ac.uk) for any informal enquiries.
Closing date: 16 October 2009
Posted 19 August 2009- LECTURER, Sports Engineering in the School of Mechanical Engineering
A new member of academic staff is being sought to lead and further develop the new Sports Engineering program in the University of Adelaide’s School of Mechanical Engineering. You will be expected to play a key role in the Sports Engineering undergraduate teaching and research activities.
The School has active research groups working in materials, fracture mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics and vibration and your research interests should align with one of these areas.
You should have:
- an undergraduate degree in Sports, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Biomechanical, Biomedical, Automotive, Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, and a PhD in the same or related field or equivalent experience;
- experience in teaching courses relevant to Sports Engineering or in applying Sports Engineering in practice
- demonstrable lecturing ability and commitment to excellence in teaching.
In addition to undertaking research, and lecturing in sports engineering subjects, you will supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student projects. You will be active in School and professional affairs and undertake administrative responsibilities at School level. Interaction with other disciplines, institutions and organisations will be encouraged.
Applications that involve job sharing of the position by two people will also be considered seriously.
Applicants with a relevant Science degree and experience in Sports Engineering practice may also be considered.
Salary:
Lecturer C = $83,337 - $96,099 per annum, plus 17% superannuation.
Associate Professor D = $103,358 - $113,868, plus 17% superannuation.
This tenurable position is available from November 1, 2009. Further information, including selection criteria, may be obtained from http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/current/ or Ms Victoria Samra, telephone: (08) 8303 5460, or email: victoria.samra@adelaide.edu.au
Applications, separately addressing each of the selection criteria, and including the names and address of three referees, should be forwarded in duplicate to Professor Colin Hansen, Head, School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, by 30th September, 2009.
Posted 14 July 2009- Business Development Executive (Sport), Loughborough, UK
REF ua/13329
Sport at Loughborough
A long history of excellence in sports performance, sports sciences, technology and engineering, coupled with the scale and range of activity in these domains, distinguishes the University from its competitors. In addition, the high quality of partnerships established by the University with a range of organisations has enabled it to establish credibility and a reputation for excellence and achievement across a range of sports-related activities.
The extent of the University’s activity in sport is broad, encompassing four principle pursuits, namely teaching, research, enterprise and participation (from recreational to elite). It is recognised that the breadth of sports-related activity within the University is substantial, but it is also evident that there are three primary domains for sports focused activity, namely the Sports Development Centre, the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and the Sports Technology Institute.
The Enterprise Office
The Enterprise Office supports Loughborough University’s relationships with industry and commerce, and facilitates enterprise and knowledge transfer activities.
The services we offer to external clients include consultancy, business incubation facilities located at Loughborough Innovation Centre, knowledge transfer placement schemes, and development of strategic partnerships.
Internally within the university, we provide departments with professional advice and support for commercial and business development activities - including Intellectual Property (IP) management, licensing, consultancy, spin-out company formation, business incubation facilities, knowledge transfer to industry through government-funded training and graduate placements.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Business Development Executive (Sport)
JOB GRADE: Management and Specialist Grade 7
DEPARTMENT: Enterprise Office
JOB PURPOSE: To grow the University’s portfolio of research, enterprise and knowledge transfer activities associated with sport-related academic and practitioner expertise, working across departmental, faculty and disciplinary boundaries to create new opportunities for sport at Loughborough.
JOB DUTIES:
- To manage successful large scale and high profile bids for funding to a range of external bodies, identifying opportunities and funding streams.
- To proactively make contact with senior personnel in external companies, funding bodies and sporting bodies to create new opportunities
- To promote the breadth of sporting academic and practitioner excellence at Loughborough University
- To manage knowledge transfer or enterprise projects, including the production of reports and supporting documentation.
- To maintain databases of contracts, companies and other data that may be required for reporting to funding bodies.
- To organise events, workshops and exhibitions associated with the above activities.
- To liaise with senior members of the University to ensure that opportunities are created in line with the direction of the Sports Strategy Group.
Other
- To engage in training programmes as identified from time to time in negotiation with the post holder’s line manager
- To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
This role may involve travelling off-site to visit companies, funding bodies or other collaborators. Occasional overseas travel may be required, as may some working outside core hours.
ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The post holder will report to Head of Business Partnerships, Enterprise Office. Strategic guidance and support will be provided by the Sport Strategy group.
Conditions of Service
Appointment will be made on Management and Specialist Grade 7 (£36,532 - £43,622 per annum) at a starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The post is full-time until 31st July 2011. The appointment will be subject to the University's normal Terms and Conditions of Employment for Academic and Related staff, details of which can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/personnel/conditions/acadrel.html
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Kathryn Walsh, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise), telephone +44 (0)1509 228693 or email k.walsh@lboro.ac.uk.
Application forms can be obtained from: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/personnel/appform.html
Completed forms should be returned to Human Resources, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU. Please quote reference number UA/13329 on your application form. The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday, 28th July 2009. Interviews will be taking place on Tuesday, 11th August 2009. Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a completed University application form.
Please note that in the interests of economy the University will not reply to unsuccessful candidates. Therefore, if you have not received a reply from us by eight weeks after the advertised closing date, you should assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Posted 9 July 2009 - adidas Innovation Team: Senior Material (Development) Engineer – Olympics;
adidas Group Headquarters/ Germany
If you've ever wanted to shape the future of sport, now's your chance. The adidas Innovation Team is looking for a highly talented engineer to bring gold medals to the 3 stripes and our top Olympic athletes.
The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated teams working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation. This team focusing on Olympics is based out of the adidas Group Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
We are looking for an expert in chemicals/polymers to work with top adidas athletes to create products that help break world records in 2012.
As a Senior Engineer you will develop advanced, market leading garments and materials, which improve brand competitiveness through product and technology leadership, enabling adidas to deliver added value to Olympic athletes.
Main duties will include:
- Responsibility for all projects and activities with regards to Engineering of advanced Material and Garment technologies.
- Transferring material and garment research and testing results into unique market leading concepts, which are based on athletes needs, and which offer considerable potential performance benefits.
- Developing creative and practical solutions, which can be used to test function. Establishing alliances with key manufacturers, research facilities, and development partners.
- Delivering finished product in a timely fashion leading up to events.
Qualifications: University degree in materials engineering, textile/materials technology, garment (apparel) technology or a related field. Experience in project management. 5 years progressive experience in product development/merchandising/ design (preferably advanced products, smart products). English fluently.
If you are interested in a detailed job description and to apply please send detailed CV (or Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position.
To: Georg Fuchs, adidas Group, Adi-Dassler-Str. 1, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, Email: georg.fuchs@adidas-group.com
Posted 16 April 2009 - PhD in Sports Engineering: Biomechanics of the Golf Swing - Sheffield, UK
2009-2012
Studentship £13,290 plus fees
Closing date: 31 May 2009
Centre for Sport and Exercise Science
The Centre for Sport and Exercise Science (CSES) is the UK’s top provider of research and consultancy in sports science and engineering. The Sports Engineering Research Group within CSES employs approximately 20 staff comprising research engineers, designers, and PhD students. Clients include Adidas, Prince, Puma, UK Sport and the ITF.
The group currently has a PhD position available to investigate the biomechanics of the golf swing.
Qualifications
Successful candidates are expected to have a 1st or high 2i in a physical science such as Engineering, Sports and Exercise Science, Physics or Applied Mathematics. Ideal candidates will have some of the following skills: maths, analytical skills, teamwork, tenacity and perseverance. In particular, we would like to hear from students with experience of MATLAB, motion capture systems (electromagnetic and optical), biomechanics and golf analysis.
Opportunities
The Sports Engineering Research Group represents a fantastic opportunity for those seeking to gain experience of a sports research environment and wish to have a career in sport and exercise science or engineering. PhD students have the opportunity to travel overseas and support high profile consultancy projects within the group.
There is also an opportunity for the successful candidate to work within the centre prior to commencement of the PhD.
For further information please send your CV to a.brothwell@shu.ac.uk
Posted 16 April 2009 - PhD Research Studentships in Golf Science - Loughborough, UK
The Sports Technology Group at Loughborough University are currently seeking applicants for two potential research projects in golf.
The first project will be in the area of finite element analysis of a golf impact. Applicants must possess a first class or good upper second class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physical Science or a related field and have experience of using CAE and CAD tools such as ABAQUS, Nastran, Hyperworks or similar.
The second project will investigate the use of technology in coaching particularly at the elite level. Applicants for this project must possess a first class or good upper second class degree in Sports Science, Sports Technology or a related field and be conversant with research methods in biomechanics. Experience of working with elite athletes and using motion analysis systems (such as Vicon, Coda or similar), force platforms and EMG systems is highly desirable.
All applicants must be eligible for UK/EU funding and also have:
- Good practical laboratory skills
- Basic computer program knowledge
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
A knowledge of golf science and the ability to communicate at an appropriate level with experts in the field is desirable.
To apply, please send a detailed CV (or resume) and covering letter that indicates the project you are applying for and describes your suitability for that position, to:
Dr Jonathan RobertsSports, Technology InstituteLoughborough Science and Enterprise Park, Loughborough University, 1 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QFTel: 01509 564803
A 1st October start date is envisaged and applications must be received by 1st May.
Posted 16 April 2009 - adidas Innovation Team Postgraduate Program - Germany/USA
The adidas Innovation team is currently looking for engineers wishing to gain work experience in the sports industry through a postgraduate program.
The adidas Innovation team is a group of dedicated teams working on focused footwear, apparel and hardware projects, driven by the excitement to create product innovation. The team is based out of two offices: Herzogenaurach, Germany and Portland, USA.
As an Innovation team member you will be an active player of the Engineering group and you will experience a genuine opportunity to use your engineering competence to contribute towards advanced company projects. Main duties will include concept development, prototyping, computational simulation, materials and geometry optimisation, mechanical and field testing.
Education & Skills: Graduated in Mechanical Engineering or similar degree. High levels of spoken and written English are essential. Good working knowledge and experience of CAE and FE applications as well as MS Office are preferred. Genuine passion for the technical aspects of sport and a desire to apply engineering to sports products.
The postgraduate program is for a consecutive period of six to twelve months and is open to all nationalities. Start dates are flexible and interviews are conducted throughout the year. Previous applicants need to indicate their continued availability for the post. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To apply please send detailed CV (or Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position.
To: Dr Tim Lucas, adidas Innovation Team / Engineering, Adi-Dassler-Str. 1-2, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, Email: tim.lucas@adidas.com
MS word attachments only.
Posted 16 April 2009 - PhD Research Studentships in Engineering of Sports Equipment
Loughborough University in collaboration with the adidas Innovation Team
Research areas: Soccer Balls and Athletic Footwear.
Loughborough University and the adidas Innovation Team are currently looking for graduates wishing to undertake research into Sports Equipment combined with work experience in the sports industry. The research will be in the areas of (1) Soccer Ball Engineering and (2) Athletic Footwear Engineering.
Two PhD research studentship positions are now available. The research will be principally undertaken at the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University, UK. Time will also be spent as a member of the adidas Innovation Team at the global Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, or at other appropriate adidas facilities around the world.
The Sports Technology Institute is the largest of its kind worldwide and has an international reputation for excellence within the Sports Engineering Industry. The adidas Innovation Team are at the forefront of sports equipment technology innovation and introductions worldwide. The successful candidate will join a vibrant collaborative research community and will experience a genuine opportunity to use their engineering competence to contribute towards advanced adidas products.
Education & Skills:
- Applicants must possess a first class or good upper second class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physical Science or a related field
- Strong experience in using CAE & CAD tools like ABAQUS, Hyperworks, Rhino, ProE or similar
- Good practical laboratory skills
- Basic computer program knowledge (MS Office, MS Project, Excel)
- Excellent communication skills; high levels of spoken and written English are essential.
- Genuine passion for the technical aspects of sport and a desire to apply engineering to sports products.
Start date flexible.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To apply please send detailed CV (or Resume) and covering letter describing your suitability for the position to:
Dr. Andy Harland
Sports Technology Research Group
Loughborough University
Louhgborough
Leics. LE11 3TU
UK
Email: a.r.harland@lboro.ac.uk
MS word attachments only.

