Basketball Data Scientist (New Grad Summer 2027)

Jazz Basketball Investors LLC; Salt Lake City (UT); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jazz Basketball Investors LLC in Salt Lake City is seeking a data scientist to build and maintain models predicting basketball outcomes and informing decisions across Basketball Operations. Remote candidates are welcome; start is targeted for Summer 2027.

The role interfaces with scouting, coaching, analytics and sports science teams, emphasizes robust coding practices and clear documentation, and requires 2+ years in modeling with Python or R.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience analyzing data and training statistical models using Python or R.
• Familiarity with basketball data and analytics techniques.
• 1+ years of experience with data visualization.
• Proficient in statistics fundamentals and predictive modeling techniques.
• A desire to work in a startup‑like environment with design decision empowerment.
• Strong record of writing clean, well‑documented code.
• Soon to have Bachelor’s or graduate degree in statistics, data science, math or equivalent.
• Enthusiasm for basketball.
• Nice to have experience with SQL, MLOps, and data engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain models to better predict basketball outcomes and support decision-making.
• Perform ad hoc data analysis for basketball decision-makers.
• Interface with Basketball Operations teams to understand needs and deliver solutions.
• Identify and implement new models, data sources, and analytics techniques.
• Help maintain and test datasets used for analysis.
• Maintain coding standards with tests and documentation.

Skills

Python

R

Data Visualization

Education

Bachelor’s or graduate degree in statistics, data science, math or equivalent experience

Tools

SQL

MLOps

Data Engineering

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Utah Jazz are looking for a data scientist to perform modeling and analysis that will help inform basketball decision-making. Applicants should be completing their studies this Spring, with a targeted start date at the Jazz in Summer 2027.

We are located in Salt Lake City, but are open to remote candidates.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain models to better predict basketball outcomes and facilitate better decision-making across Basketball Operations.
• Perform ad hoc data analysis as necessary to help basketball decision-makers.
• Interface with all departments within Basketball Operations (scouting, coaching, analytics, sports science) and strive to understand and meet their needs.
• Identify, research, and implement opportunities for new models, data sources, and basketball analytics techniques.
• Help maintain and test datasets used to perform analysis.
• Maintain best practices for software development including test writing, documentation, and adherence to and improvement of coding standards.
• Protect the reputation of the company.
• Exemplify the Utah Jazz mission and values: transparent, all in, community obsessed, one team, and scrappy.
• Accept other duties, as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Communicates Effectively– Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Demonstrates Self Awareness– Uses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ years of experience analyzing data and training statistical models using Python or R.
• Familiarity with basketball data and the latest basketball analytics techniques.
• 1+ years of experience with data visualization.
• Proficient in statistics fundamentals and familiarity with state-of-the‑art predictive modeling techniques.
• A desire to work in a startup‑like environment where you will be empowered to make design decisions.
• A track record of writing clean and well‑documented code.
• Soon to have Bachelor’s or graduate degree in statistics, data science, math or equivalent experience.
• Enthusiasm for basketball.
• Nice to have experience with MLOps.
• Nice to have experience with SQL.
• Nice to have experience with data engineering.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This person must be able to communicate and express themselves both written and verbally.
• This person must be able to observe, inspect, estimate and assess.
• This person must be able to sit for long periods of time.

The Utah Jazz provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and Utah Jazz reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.