Data Scientist, Baseball Research

torontobluejays; Toronto; On-site; CAD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Vacation entitlements

Benefits package

Blue Jays gear discount

Job summary

Toronto Blue Jays are seeking a Data Scientist, Baseball Research to help drive data-informed decision-making across Baseball Operations. Combining advanced quantitative research with a deep understanding of baseball, this role will design predictive models, develop advanced metrics, and explore new data sources and technologies to solve complex baseball questions.

You will lead junior researchers, create tools that integrate data into decision making, and collaborate with the front office,

Qualifications

• 4-5+ years in data science with predictive modeling experience.
• Strong communication skills for non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency with SQL, R and Python in relational databases.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and maintain advanced baseball metrics and predictive models.
• Lead junior researchers and collaborate with front office, scouts, and coaches.
• Create tools integrating data into decision processes across Baseball Operations.
• Explore new data sources and techniques to gain competitive advantages.
• Work with Baseball Systems to embed new information into workflows.

Skills

Predictive modeling

Data science

SQL

Python

R

Bayesian modeling

Time-series analysis

LLMs / Generative AI

Communication to non-technical users

Multicultural collaboration

Tools

Relational databases

Python tooling

R tooling

Job description

Toronto Blue Jays are seeking a Data Scientist, Baseball Research to help drive innovative, data-informed decision-making across Baseball Operations. Combining advanced quantitative research with a deep understanding of baseball, this role will design predictive models, develop advanced metrics, and explore new data sources and technologies to solve complex baseball questions.

Primary Focus:

• Conduct baseball research and contribute to ongoing departmental research
• Provide leadership and support to more junior members of the Baseball Research team
• Create tools that incorporate data into the decision-making process, as well as learning how decisions are made in all areas of Baseball Operations and working to improve those processes
• Challenge current technical processes, explore new data sources that could provide competitive advantages, and propose novel ways to solve data-intensive problems

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Design, test, implement and maintain advanced baseball metrics and predictive models to contribute to strategy and decisions across all departments within Baseball Operations. Specific areas of focus could include Pro Scouting, Amateur Scouting, International Scouting, Player Development, Player Projections, or Fundamental Research
• Conduct empirical research related to in-game strategy, player evaluation and player procurement whilst understanding how findings would apply to better decision making and increased operational effectiveness.
• Offer technical expertise to other members of the Baseball Research Department, providing constructive feedback and guidance
• Collaborate with the front office, including other members of the Baseball Research department, coaches, and scouts about research being done. Results of these interactions should help those within the organization better understand, consider, and apply the use of information and data to their decisions
• Work with the Baseball Systems team to integrate new information into existing Baseball Operations processes and infrastructure

Experience and Job Requirements:

• 4-5+ years working in the data science field, building predictive models and communicating results to non-technical users
• Passion for baseball and excellent reasoning, problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals including members of the front office, scouts, and field staff
• Demonstrated ability to successfully design and execute rigorous quantitative research projects
• Strong understanding of current baseball research
• Proficiency with SQL, R, Python, relational database and/or similar statistical language
• Demonstrated ability to use LLMs and generative AI in the research process
• Experience with Bayesian modeling, computer vision, biomechanical data, or time-series modeling are all beneficial, but not required
• Empathetic approach to work with multicultural populations and a commitment to fairness and equality
• Ability to work occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours as dictated by the baseball calendar

Salary:The anticipated base compensation range for this role is $115,000 - $130,000. Actual base pay offered within this range may differ based on a range of factors, including individual experience, education, skills, and organizational needs.

In addition to your base compensation, you will enjoy discretionary bonus opportunities, vacation entitlements, a comprehensive benefits package, and front‑officeperksthat reflect the excitement and community of working in baseball.

Position Status: New

WHAT WE OFFER TO YOU

• Commitment to our team - we want you to succeed!
• Ongoing, hands-on training to help you develop your skills
• Excellent employee discount to use towards Blue Jays gear
• A unique employment experience working for the only MLB team in Canada

Blue Jays has a strong commitment to diversity, accessibility and inclusion. Everyone who applies for a job will be considered. We encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply and join us in shaping the future of our club. Together, we will build a team that reflects the richness of the game and the communities that we represent.

Throughout the recruitment process, we are dedicated to working with candidates who have accessibility needs to ensure they have the necessary support to perform at their best. Questions regarding accessibility throughout the recruitment process can be directed to [e-mail].