Data Scientist (Junior or Senior)

Football Radar; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football analytics firm in London is seeking a Data Scientist to enhance predictive models and research innovative methods. The role involves direct contributions to football analytics, leveraging extensive datasets. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in a STEM field, possess strong predictive modelling and machine learning skills, and have proficiency in Python and SQL. The position offers flexible working with a requirement of in-office presence at least four days a week, accompanied by great benefits including bonuses and health packages.

Benefits

Half yearly bonus opportunities

33 days holiday

Competitive contribution matched pensions

Private Medical Insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Daily subsidised office meals

Learning and development budgets

Engagement activities

Fortnightly five-a-side game

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of predictive modelling and machine learning.
• Experience in communicating complex models to diverse audiences.
• Interest in football analytics and sports data.

Responsibilities

• Enhance existing predictive models with extensive datasets.
• Research new methods and turn insights into production-ready solutions.
• Collaborate with data scientists, developers, and analysts.

Skills

Predictive modelling

Machine learning

Probability theory

Python

SQL

Team collaboration

Sports analytics

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in a STEM subject

Job description

Start Date: Immediate

At Football Radar, our mission is to be the world-leading provider of football analytics. For over a decade, we have combined predictive modelling techniques with expert analysis and our proprietary datasets to deliver insights that drive success for our betting clients and football clubs. By combining the agility of a start-up with the stability of an established business, we’ve created an environment where innovation and long‑term success go hand in hand.

About The Role

As a Data Scientist on our Prediction Team, you will use our extensive dataset to enhance existing predictive models, research new methods, and turn your insights into production‑ready solutions.

Your research will involve a mix of well‑executed analyses and innovative modelling to solve unique challenges in football analytics, where your work will directly enhance our predictions and decision‑making processes. To achieve this, you will have the freedom to explore and develop your own ideas while working collaboratively with a team of data scientists, developers, and analysts, to combine technical expertise with football knowledge.

You will be based at our London office, at 106 Kensington High Street, London, W8 4SG. While we are open to flexible working hours to help you avoid rush hour, we believe in the value of in‑person collaboration and learning opportunities, so we require at least 4 days a week in the office.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in a STEM subject
• Solid understanding of predictive modelling, machine learning, and probability theory
• Familiarity with techniques such as Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian modelling, mixed effects models, Kalman filters, GLMs, and time series forecasting. While expertise in every area isn’t expected, you should have a broad awareness of available techniques and tools, and understand the trade‑offs of different approaches
• Ability to communicate complex models and analyses clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Comfort working collaboratively across teams, sharing ideas early, and taking onboard feedback from both technical and football‑focused colleagues
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and modelling
• Experience working with SQL and relational databases
• Interest in football and sports analytics

For senior candidates

More experienced candidates will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility, leading projects, and helping set the direction of our research. We are looking for candidates who can think strategically and make pragmatic decisions about where we should focus our efforts, and what technical approaches we should use to get our modelling ideas onto production. So in addition to the requirements above, this means you also bring:

• 3+ years of experience applying predictive modelling and machine learning in industry, with exposure to sports or betting data through professional work or substantial personal projects
• A practical approach to problem‑solving, balancing attention to detail with the ability to deliver MVPs quickly
• Ability to deliver projects independently, making informed and justifiable decisions, while also contributing effectively as part of a team
• Experience taking models from research into production, and deploying them to the cloud

What We Offer

• Half yearly bonus opportunities based on company performance
• 33 days holiday (Including bank holidays)
• Competitive contribution matched pensions
• Health and well‑being benefits:
  • Private Medical Insurance (including excess coverage)
  • Health Cash Plan via Bupa
  • Subsidised gym membership
• Daily subsidised office meals
• Learning and development budgets to invest in your personal growth
• Company and team‑led engagement activities throughout the year
• Fortnightly five‑a‑side game amongst colleagues