Sport Science

Program Overview

VIS Sport Science has achieved a total focus on improving performance through the integration of internal and external scientists and consultants into VIS programs. The key discipline areas of VIS Sport Science are Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology, Human Perception and Performance, Sports Engineering and Computer Science.

VIS Sport Science has a diverse staff with qualifications and experience in the traditional areas of sport science and new areas such as aerospace engineering, industrial design and computer hardware and software design. This has led to a large array of in-house skills to draw upon and the emergence of some exciting projects within VIS Sport Science.

VIS Sport Science staff:

Dr Susie Parker-Simmons (Sport Science Coordinator)
Dr Dan Dwyer (Sport Scientist)
Nick Sanders (Sport Scientist)
Cathryn Pruscino (Sport Scientist)
Danielle Stefano (Sport Scientist)
Sylvie Withers (Sport Scientist)
Doxi Geroyiannis (Sport Scientist)

The VIS external service provider network:

Melissa Arkinstall - Exercise Research Australia

Student Placements in VIS Sport Science:

VIS Sport Science offers one-year student placements to undergraduate and postgraduate university students. These placements are for a minimum of 10 hours per week. Go to the Students section to read about or apply for one of the student placements. We look forward in anticipation to potentially having you join our team.

Please note: student placements are not offered to high school students.

Students

Placement Overview

VIS Sport Science offer one-year student placements to undergraduate and postgraduate university students. These placements are for a minimum of 10 hours per week over a 12 month period, starting in July. Placements are unpaid.

This is an exciting opportunity for prospective scientists to gain valuable practical experience in preparing elite athletes and working alongside some of Australia’s leading applied sport scientists.

Sport Science Student Placement Description

Summary

Remuneration

Nil

Position Description

1. Summary of the broad purpose of the position and its responsibilities/duties

This placement will be located in the VIS Sport Science Department. The student will be directly supervised by a VIS Sport Science staff member to deliver general and specialised sport science services to VIS athletes. The placement will be for 12 months. Students are requested to contribute at least 10 hours per week.

2. Reporting/Working Relationships

Responsible to the Sport Science Co-ordinator, VIS, and liaising to other VIS sport scientists, coaches and athletes.

3. Special Conditions

Frequent out of hours work is required.
Travel is also required.
This position is not paid. Students currently enrolled in university degrees must complete this placement as a fieldwork opportunity. Personal liability insurance must be taken out for successful applicants in order to complete the placement.

4. Statement of Key Responsibilities/Duties

Students will either be assigned to a particular sport or assigned to various projects in general sport science. Student placements will assist with a number of initiatives in any area of VIS Sport Science, including:

Laboratory and Field-based physiological fitness assessment
Strategies to accelerate recovery and regeneration after training and competition
Practical strategies for beating the heat and humidity during summer
Hydration monitoring and formulation of tailored hydration strategies
Health and wellness monitoring during heavy training and major competitions
Close monitoring of training loads through physiological monitoring of athletes
Technique analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) using simple laptop-based software products during training and competition
Analysis of technique via remote access through web-based software
Match or notational analysis using various software products specifically tailored to your sport
Race profiling for changes in speed, efficiency, work output, fatigue and physiological markers
Statistical analysis and feedback during and after competition

To ensure their own safety and the safety of others, employees must work in a safe manner and comply with all VIS policies and procedures that relate to Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. This includes current Working with Children Check, CPR and first aid qualifications.

Application Details

Applications for 2010 are currently closed. Please check back early next year for details on 2011 placements.