About
Research
Email: shaun.joffe@stmarys.ac.uk
Biography
Shaun Joffe is a Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning at St Mary's University and Course Lead for the MSc Applied Strength and Conditioning Science programme. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Coaching Science from Buckinghamshire New University and an MSc in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Edinburgh. Shaun is currently completing a PhD by Published Works at St Mary's University, with a research focus on the neuromuscular determinants of weightlifting performance. His research examines the relationships between neuromuscular characteristics and competitive performance in elite weightlifters.
Prior to joining St Mary's in 2018, Shaun worked for seven years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the English Institute of Sport, supporting athletes across a range of Olympic and Paralympic performance programmes.
Alongside his academic role, Shaun continues to coach strength and conditioning, supporting several athletes, including national-level weightlifters. He maintains a strong interest in translating sport science research into high-performance practice and applying evidence-informed approaches to athlete development and performance enhancement.
Research
Research profile
Shaun’s main research focus is on the biomechanical and physiological determinants of weightlifting performance and how these direct the use of specific training methods.
He also specialises in the diagnostic assessment of strength characteristics of athletes through force platforms and other technology.
Research
Joffe, S. A., Chavda, S., Gilham, J., Sandercock, G. R., & Tallent, J. (2026). A comparison of maximal isometric force in the first pull, transition and second pull of the clean and their contribution to predict performance in national and international level weightlifters. Sports biomechanics, 25(2), 281-297.
Joffe, S. A., Read, P., Comfort, P., Price, P., & Tallent, J. (2026). Longitudinal Associations Between Isometric Peak Force in Key Pull Positions With Weightlifting Performance in International-Level Female Weightlifters. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 1(aop), 1-7.
Joffe, S. A., Price, P., Chavda, S., Shaw, J., & Tallent, J. (2023). The relationship of lower-body, multijoint, isometric and dynamic neuromuscular assessment variables with snatch, and clean and jerk performance in competitive weightlifters: A meta-analysis. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 45(4), 411-428.
Chavda, S., Lake, J. P., Comfort, P., Bishop, C., Joffe, S. A., & Turner, A. N. (2025). Relationship between kinetic and kinematic measures of the countermovement jump and national weightlifting performance. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 7(1), 50-62.
Joffe, S. A., Chavda, S., Sorensen, A., & Comfort, P. (2025). Evidence-driven approaches to developing specific strength in the first pull: A narrative review. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 47(3), 328-339.
Wolf, A., Langford, A., Bird, S., McKeefery, R., Comfort, P., McKnight, P., ... & Joffe, S. (2026). Redefining Competence in Strength and Conditioning: The Level Descriptors of the International Qualification Framework (IQF). International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association.
Joffe, S. A., & Tallent, J. (2020). Neuromuscular predictors of competition performance in advanced international female weightlifters: A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Journal of sports sciences, 38(9), 985-993.
Joffe, S. A. Price, P. Tallent, J. (2021). Maximal isometric force at the start of the first pull exhibits greater correlations with weightlifting performance than the mid-thigh position in national and international weightlifters. Journal of Sport & Exercise Science, 5(3) 202-211
Kilgallon, J., Cushion, E., Joffe, S., & Tallent, J. (2022). Reliability and validity of velocity measures and regression methods to predict maximal strength ability in the back-squat using a novel linear position transducer. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 17543371221093189.
Kilgallon, J. Cave, J. Cushion, E. Joffe, S. A. Tallent, J. (2022). Reliability of the Coach’s Eye goniometer application during squat exercise. Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine.