Edge Hill University (EHU) in collaboration with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club invites applications for an exciting yearlong MRes opportunity focused on the routine monitoring of neuromuscular fatigue and the association with physical performance, within elite Academy football players. The successful candidate will work directly with the sports science and medical departments, providing visually appealing data outputs that seek to support and inform daily training practices. In this position, the successful applicant will be working alongside the coaching and support staff during training and match days to aid the preparation and development of the squads. Alongside this applied work, the data collected as part of this role will inform the candidate’s MRes project, with supervision provided by academic staff at EHU. 

• About The Research Project

Previous research has considered the objective monitoring of elite football players to consider the effects of neuromuscular fatigue, with implications for physical performance and training periodization.  Less consideration has been given across a wider range of academy players, particularly considering the additional implications of growth and maturation. This project will aim to monitor and quantify players’ levels of neuromuscular fatigue prior to training and matches, across various age groups. Following this, players’ physical performance outputs during training and matches will be monitored, with the intention to provide an indication of the extent to which neuromuscular fatigue impacts upon players’ physical capabilities during soccer-specific activities. 

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Contributing to the sports science support of Academy players across all age groups
• Collation & analysis of GPS data from match-play and training
• Implementation and analysis of jump testing procedures, as an indirect marker of neuromuscular fatigue and readiness to train.
• Produce high quality, visually appealing and informative feedback for players and staff
• Contribute to the development of monitoring practices within the Academy

Details of funding

The successful applicant will receive:

• Student fees for full-time MRes (equivalent to £6,150)
• Travel expenses and meals provided at the training ground. 

Applicant Eligibility

This opportunity is open to UK applicants eligible for home fees who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• a degree equivalent to UK first-class or upper second-class honours (2:1 or above) within sports science related programme (e.g. Sports Science, Sports Therapy/Rehabilitation, Sports Coaching, etc.), which included modules specifically focusing on Strength & Conditioning
• highly driven individual with a strong passion for sport and exercise science
• appropriate understanding/experience of the technical and physical aspects of Academy football
• appropriate understanding and experience of using GPS technology 
• a competent understanding of research methods, inclusive of relevant statistical procedures for quantitative research
• clean, full UK driver’s License

At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

How to submit your application

In the first instance please complete the online application form via https://qpl.edgehill.ac.uk/apex_qlive/f?p=PV_ONLINE_APP:101::::APP:APP_COURSE_INSTANCE:906639306 

 Once you have done this, please send the following items in one email to graduateschooladmissions@edgehill.ac.uk quoting the project title in the subject of the email:

• a copy of your research proposal, aligned with the aims of this project, that should not exceed 1,000 words.
• a downloaded copy of your application form.
• a cover letter/personal statement outlining your suitability and research interests.
• a full academic CV (maximum of three A4 pages, using size 12 font) which includes the contact details of two referees.
• a copy of your qualification certificates and passport.

Key contacts:

Please think about the support you need and contact one of the below directly:

• Research project and supervision questions: please contact Professor Matt Greig (matt.greig@edgehill.ac.uk) or Dr Greg Doncaster (doncasg@edgehill.ac.uk) 
• MRes registration and qualification questions: please contact graduateschooladmissions@edgehill.ac.uk 

Deadlines and start date.

Closing date: 12^th July 2026

The successful applicant will be required to start on the 26^th September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is for a full-time MRes position. 

About Us 

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before. 

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world. 

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education. 

EMBED VIDEO: https://youtu.be/DHDLyAo9g2U 

Closing Date: 12 Jul 2026

Department: Academic