Data Scientist

Job Description Summary

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.

Sporting Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and equity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. All associates are expected to positively collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds. We encourage all talented individuals looking for a challenge to apply.

Job Description

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.