Principal Data Scientist

Leeds United FC; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeds United FC is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to enhance their football analytics capabilities. You will lead advanced research projects and develop innovative predictive models in a dynamic team environment. The role requires extensive experience in data science, with a focus on sports applications, and offers a competitive salary in a vibrant football setting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in football analytics or relevant fields.
• Led R&D projects in data science from ideation to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects to enhance football analytics.
• Develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms.
• Implement robust R&D infrastructure for data handling.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Cloud Infrastructure

Statistical Techniques

Job description

**Job Title:**Principal Data Scientist

**Hours of Work:**40 hours per week

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**Location:**Elland Road

**Responsible to:**Head of Football Analytics

**Contract Type:**Permanent

**Closing Date:**6th June 2025

Role Summary

The Football Department at Leeds United is working to create bespoke intelligence to enhance player recruitment. We are looking for individuals who will lead our most challenging R&D projects and provide technical leadership on our data science and modelling capabilities.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead advanced research projects to enhance our analytical capabilities, evolving football analytics in the professional game i.e. On and Off Ball Value, Scanning Metrics from Pose Data
• Lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge predictive models, machine learning and deep learning algorithms, and statistical techniques (e.g. Markov chain & Bayesian Inference).
• Enhanced feature development through biomechanical and physics-based modelling
• Provide leadership in designing and implementing robust R&D infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency in handling large volumes of data.

Other Responsibilities

• To take responsibilities for personal performance and the development of personal skills to ensure the required skills, knowledge and competence to fulfil the role.
• Perform duties with due regard to Club policies and procedures and legislative requirements at all times;
• To act as an ambassador for equity and inclusion, openly championing the Clubs commitment and action plan. To recognise and appropriately challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures
• Ensure implementation of the Club’s health & safety, safeguarding, welfare and equality policies to create a safe working environment for all;
• Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) training and/or additional training as identified or as required.
• Ensure working practices are compliant with relevant legislation and data protection legislation and/or general data protection regulations (GDPR) requirements;

Required Relevant Experience

• 5+ years professional experience in sport (club/data provider/consultancy), with a good understanding of the landscape of football analytics
• Led R&D and data science projects from ideation to model deployment at scale.

Required Technical Skills

Essential

• High-Level proficiency in using Python for feature development and modelling
• Confident in working with large 2D tracking and desirably “Pose” estimation datasets
• Proficient football literacy and able to discuss the game at a technical level for development of football models and explaining them to non-technical stakeholders in an intuitive way
• Experience working with cloud infrastructure (e.g. AWS Lambda).

Club Statements

General Statement

All employees and workers of the Club must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regards to all policies and procedures and in particular health and safety, confidentiality and data protection.

Safeguarding Statement

Leeds United is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands, including those that are considered ‘spent’ as defined by the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amended 2013). Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory DBS Check (with children’s barred list check) and references.

www.leedsunited.com/en/club/safeguarding

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Leeds United is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. The club does not tolerate any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment. Your behaviour must align to the principles of equality as outlined in the Clubs equality policy which can be found at

www.leedsunited.com/en/equality-and-diversity

Health & Safety Statement

The Club is committed to effective management of the Health and Safety risks to all employees, visitors, supporters, and any others associated with the Club. As part of this commitment all staff are expected to conduct your business in a proactive way that prevents injury and ill health to those who may be affected by your activities.

All staff are expected to undertake regular Health & Safety related training and to ensure the environments in which they work remain safe at all times, with the mindset that Health & Safety is everybody’s responsibility.