We are seeking a creative and curious individual to join our team as a Data Scientist. In this role, the successful candidate will lead the design, development and validation of advanced models aimed at improving decision-making and supporting an evidence-informed predictive framework.
The successful candidate will work closely with coaches, scouts, analysts and other stakeholders, translating complex data into key insights, developing interpretable and context-relevant models across medical, sports sciences, scouting, squad planning and performance analysis, contributing to the development of proprietary models that provide Sporting Kansas City with a sustainable competitive advantage.
People - Work closely with coaches, analysts, scouts and other key stakeholders to identify football questions and translate them into advanced modelling projects.
- Develop strong relationships with the wider Data and Analytics team, ensuring alignment with Club and department strategy.
- Work very closely with the First Team Data Engineer to ensure advanced modelling is supported by reliable data and production-ready workflows.
- Collaborate closely with the First Team Data Analyst, ensuring the model outputs are translated and communicated into clear and actionable insights.
- Ensure collaboration and communication across the wider Club as needed, championing the adoption of advanced analytics across Sporting Kansas City.
Process- Lead the end-to-end development of applied advanced modelling projects, from problem definition with key stakeholders, through to deployment and review cycles.
- 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.
Product- 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.
Education & Experience- 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.
Preferred Experience- Prior experience working within an elite soccer club or high-performance sporting environment.
- Experience working with soccer event, tracking and physical performance datasets.
- Previous experience developing models for elite athlete recruitment, physical performance, squad planning, player availability and load and fatigue management.
- Experience deploying machine learning models and working with cloud-based environments.
- Strong understanding of technical and tactical aspects of soccer.
- Evidence of experience working in the MLS.
- Experience using data visualization tools such as Tableau or other equivalent software.
Physical Requirements- Ability to work in office, stadium, and outdoor environments with the ability to travel as required.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Additional Responsibilities- Represent Sporting Kansas City professionally at all times.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Comply with Club policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
