Director, Physiology

About the role

The Director, Physiology will lead the creation, development and ongoing operation of the Physiology function within the Athlete Performance Services department at the Saudi Olympic Training Center. This senior position is responsible for building an evidence‑based, high‑performance physiology capability that supports Olympic and elite athletes across multiple sports and locations.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement the vision, strategy and operational framework for the Physiology function, aligned with the centre’s overall performance strategy.
• Establish department policies, testing standards, athlete monitoring approaches and quality‑assurance procedures.
• Lead the technical design, procurement, installation, calibration and commissioning of a state‑of‑the‑art physiology laboratory and environmental chamber facility.
• Provide applied physiology services, including performance testing, recovery monitoring and athlete monitoring, to elite athletes.
• Collaborate with medical, nutrition, strength & conditioning, biomechanics, psychology, performance analysis and coaching teams to deliver integrated athlete support.
• Contribute physiological expertise to Olympic and international competition planning.
• Develop annual operational plans, budgets, staffing plans and performance KPIs for the function.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level experience in exercise physiology within elite sport or high‑performance environments.
• Proven track record establishing and managing high‑performance physiology laboratories.
• Strong knowledge of athlete monitoring, performance optimisation and scientific best practices.
• Experience managing budgets, staff and cross‑functional collaborations.
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team and drive a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.

Required skills

• VO2 max and metabolic cart systems
• Lactate analyzers
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment (clinical/diagnostic)
• Wearable athlete monitoring technologies
• Recovery monitoring systems
• Heat and altitude simulation environmental chambers