NIKE, Inc

Lead Data Scientist - Nike Sports Research Lab - Nike Innovation

NIKE, Inc • $135K — $160K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Data Science, etc.) or equivalent experience.
  • 6+ years of applied experience in data science or related fields, with ownership of complex projects.
  • Strong proficiency in Python and experience with modern software development practices.
  • Experience with complex measurement data, including time-series signals and multimodal datasets.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Preferred experience in human movement, biomechanics, and sport science.

Responsibilities

  • Apply machine learning and computer vision to human movement and athletic performance problems.
  • Develop analytical workflows using data from various measurement technologies.
  • Connect algorithm outputs to real-world movement phenomena, clarifying assumptions and limitations.
  • Lead technical execution of projects by defining analytical plans and coordinating contributions.
  • Design and evaluate models using scientific and statistical validation methods.
  • Build reusable datasets and software to support reproducible research.
  • Investigate emerging methods and technologies for athlete measurement and performance analysis.
  • Provide mentorship and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical partners.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Opportunity to lead complex, impactful projects.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and research.
  • Mentorship opportunities to develop leadership skills.
  • Engagement with innovative research in human performance.
Full Job Description
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITHThe Lead Data Scientist partners with researchers in biomechanics, physiology, perception, and related disciplines, along with data scientists, engineers, product managers, and other innovation partners. This role reports to the Director of Data Science and provides hands-on technical leadership within multidisciplinary project teams.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Nike Sport Research Lab is looking for an experienced Data Scientist who combines strong algorithmic skills with practical project leadership and genuine curiosity about human movement and performance. This person can independently solve difficult technical problems, guide project-level decisions, and help other contributors deliver high-quality work. They understand that sensing and machine-learning systems are only useful when their outputs can be connected to the physical and scientific realities they are intended to represent.

The successful candidate is comfortable working with ambiguous research and innovation questions, translating them into rigorous analytical plans, and collaborating across scientific and technical disciplines. They remain hands-on in analysis and software development while communicating assumptions, limitations, trade-offs, and findings clearly. This is a Lead role focused on technical execution, project coherence, and mentorship, rather than organization-wide data science strategy.

  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
  • 6+ years of relevant applied experience post-degree in data science, machine learning, statistical modelling, signal processing, computer vision, or a related technical field, including ownership of complex projects.
  • Strong Python proficiency and experience building tested, maintainable, reproducible analytical software using modern version control, code review, and development practices.
  • Experience working with complex measurement data, such as time-series signals, IMUs, wearable sensors, image or video data, camera-based systems, or multimodal datasets, with rigorous signal processing, computer vision model evaluation and validation.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Experience with human movement, biomechanics, physiology, sport science, pose estimation, sensor fusion, and cloud data platforms is strongly preferred.


WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

You will provide hands-on technical leadership for complex projects that use sensor and camera data to understand human movement and performance. You will develop rigorous analytical solutions, guide project execution, and work closely with scientific and engineering partners to deliver credible, useful, and reusable outcomes.

  • Apply machine learning, computer vision, signal processing, statistical modeling, and related methods to problems in human movement and athletic performance.
  • Develop analytical workflows using data from IMUs, wearable sensors, camera-based systems, computer vision pipelines, and other measurement technologies.
  • Connect algorithm outputs to the movement or performance phenomena they represent, making assumptions, limitations, uncertainty, and failure modes explicit.
  • Lead the technical execution of complex projects by clarifying questions, defining analytical plans, coordinating contributions, and communicating risks and tradeoffs.
  • Design and evaluate models and measurement approaches using appropriate scientific, statistical, and computational validation methods.
  • Build reusable datasets, software, pipelines, and documentation that support reproducible research and future project work.
  • Investigate and evaluate emerging methods, technologies, and state-of-the-art research, translating promising advances into practical, scientifically credible capabilities for athlete measurement and performance analysis.
  • Provide technical guidance, code and analysis review, and mentorship while communicating methods and findings clearly to technical and non-technical partners.

About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ

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