Elite Football Analytics Scientist

Sporting Kansas City; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sporting Kansas City is seeking a Data Scientist to lead the design, development and validation of advanced models for decision support across medical, sports sciences, scouting and performance analysis. You will translate complex data into actionable insights, collaborate with coaches, analysts and engineers, and help deploy production-ready ML workflows within the club.

The role emphasizes end-to-end modelling, robust testing, and staying current with data science best practices while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science or related STEM subject.
• Experience working in a Data Science, Machine Learning, Applied Statistics or similar role.
• Proven experience designing, validating and monitoring applied machine learning models.
• Robust experience using both SQL and Python for data analysis, modelling and automation.
• Strong understanding of statistical modelling, experimental design and model evaluation.
• Creative and curious problem solver with a positive attitude to new challenges.
• Proactive and keen to learn, able to pick up new skills and work as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and evidence of working on developing strong analytical skills.
• Evidence of excellent communication skills, able to translate technical concepts into practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with coaches, analysts, scouts and other key stakeholders to identify football questions and translate them into advanced modelling projects.
• Develop robust tools for testing, validation, versioning, monitoring, model governance and documentation, focusing on creating and establishing best practices for experimentation.
• Continuously evaluate model performance, incorporating stakeholder feedback to ensure reliability and flexibility as the Club changes and evolves.
• Evaluate other emerging methods and research to ensure SKC stays current with data science best practice and trends.
• Develop advanced models to support medical, sports sciences, scouting, coaching and performance analysis workflows.
• Support the development of advanced football metrics including player, team, league and valuation models, combining and utilizing multiple data sources.
• Develop advanced metrics, working extensively with event, tracking and physical data.
• Support the creation of predictive models related to load monitoring and management, player availability, injury risk and other key projects in collaboration with the medical and physical performance staff.
• In close alignment with the wider Data and Analytics teams, support the development of forecasting and scenario-analysis tools, supporting squad and salary cap planning.
• Continuously challenge existing data, systems and practices to ensure development and drive innovation.
• Work closely with the First Team Data Engineer to productionize models and implement ML projects seamlessly.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning

Experimental design

Model evaluation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science or related STEM subject

Tools

SQL

Python

Tableau

Job description

Sporting Kansas City is seeking a Data Scientist to lead the design, development and validation of advanced models for decision support across medical, sports sciences, scouting and performance analysis. You will translate complex data into actionable insights, collaborate with coaches, analysts and engineers, and help deploy production-ready ML workflows within the club.

The role emphasizes end-to-end modelling, robust testing, and staying current with data science best practices while