Applied Sport Science Technology Role
Program Component
Applied Sport Science Technology Role
Position Dates
2025 – Open End Date
Applied Sport Science Technology Role
HPSSC is developing this component of the Athlete Innovation Initiative to place students with U-M Athletics teams to learn and execute best practices for the following:
- data collection,
- event classification, and
- device distribution and management using digital technology such as Catapult sensors, or other relevant tools.
This role provides students opportunity to support both team practices and events as deemed appropriate by HPSSC and Athletic Department staff, while learning about and staying compliant with all NCAA and Big 10 rules and regulations. Educational focus of this initiative’s component is on rigorous daily collection of data through wearable technology devices, film study, or manual data collection tools.
Position Available
U-M HPSSC Applied Sport Science Technology Assistant Role
HPSSC is recruiting for an undergraduate or master’s level student role overseen by HPSSC faculty and staff and U-M Athletics. This role provides an initial exposure to wearable sensors in the context of high performance sport at one of the world’s leading institutions for research, education, service, and athletics.
With this student role, HPSSC acknowledges that wearable sensor technology is one of the fastest growing fields in the world, and there is a growing demand for professionals in this area. Students in this position of Applied Sport Science Technology Assistant will be:
Placed with U-M Athletics teams to learn and execute best practices for:
-
- data collection,
- event classification, and
- device distribution and management using digital technology and other relevant tools.
HPSSC will be supporting students in this role alongside others to be implemented as part of a cohort that will meet regularly in a unique collaborative environment.
Participants will consult with Athletic Department stakeholders to gain knowledge of the expectations and demands related to athlete performance in practice and competitions as well as the coordination of team professional staff to promote athlete health and well-being.
Position Details
Location: University of Michigan, Human Performance & Sport Science Center at U-M Athletics.
Position Type: Volunteer or for credit roles for 2025
Hours: Unconventional work hours, schedules may include early mornings or evenings, weekends and holidays. Defined scheduling is set by athletic team practice and home game schedules.
Expectation for students is to commit to 3 or 4 practice sessions each week and support for home games. Below is an example of the variety in team practice schedules for which we hope to have 2-3 students to support each team with the more demanding practice schedules supported by up to 4-5 students.
Example practice schedules for beginning August for Fall 2025
- As early as 2 pm or 3 pm to as late as 6 pm or to 9:45 pm if practice begins at 6 pm, Mondays through Fridays
- 12 pm to 3 pm; 9 am to 11 am; or 8 am to 10 am on Saturdays
- Home games – TBD
Position Detail: Volunteer or For Credit
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the deployment and setup of wearable technology (e.g., GPS trackers, heart rate monitors) for student athletes.
- Monitor and maintain wearable devices, ensuring proper functioning and data accuracy.
- Help collect and organize data gathered from wearable devices.
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for both athletes and staff.
- Collaborate with athletic trainers, coaches, and HPSSC faculty and staff to support ongoing projects and studies.
- Maintain inventory of wearable technology equipment and supplies.
- Assist in the preparation of reports.
- Attend mandatory training sessions.
- Attend require monthly workshop sessions.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or master level student at University of Michigan
- Strong interest in sports science, technology, or related fields.
- Basic knowledge of wearable technology is preferred, but not required.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills and commitment to schedules
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Participants must be able to commit to working defined practice and competition times.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Skills
- Experience with technical support or troubleshooting
- Background in sports or physical education.
- Familiarity with athletic training or sports performance metrics.
Timeline
2025
Submit application materials to HPSSC by April 30, 2025. We will review applications until all positions are filled. These positions may begin mid-summer or mid-August through the fall 2025 term.
Application Review
HPSSC and Athletics Dept. Staff will review applications, conduct interviews, and select a candidate until need is met.
Start Date
Beginning of the independent study and hands-on work as described will depend on review of the application and interview materials. There may be opportunity to be trained and begin work in mid-summer or mid-August 2025. To be determined with the student and team they are assigned to for this role.
Apply Today!
Following acceptance by an application and interview process, students will be placed with applicable teams and meet with onsite project leads and further discuss the goals of the U-M HPSSC Applied Sport Science Technology Assistants.
Students will enroll in a 3-unit independent study course or volunteer for for this opportunity and meet criteria as specified.
Key responsibilities are outlined in the position details section above and on the application form. These responsibilities are based upon information from their U-M HPSSC and U-M Athletics faculty, staff, and team leads.
*All participants will need to submit a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript as one pdf to be considered per the application instructions.
Questions about the HPSSC Athlete Innovation Initiative?
For further inquiries, email [email protected].