Senior Data Scientist, Baseball Analytics

Job Description

Job Description

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:  

Baseball Analytics is the quantitative research and data science group within Baseball Operations. We develop statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and analytical tools that support decision-making across Baseball Operations including player acquisition, player development, and player optimization. Core responsibilities include predictive modeling, applied research, experimentation, and communicating technical findings to inform baseball decisions. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Boston Red Sox seek a Senior Data Scientist for the club’s Baseball Analytics department to develop, evaluate, and optimize predictive models that enhance decision-making across all aspects of Baseball Operations. The Senior Data Scientist will collaborate closely with the Baseball Analytics team and other Baseball Operations stakeholders to influence player personnel decisions and strategic initiatives. As a senior member of the team, the Senior Data Scientist will help shape the data strategy of the department, influencing team growth and keeping the group on the cutting edge of predictive data science. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced statistical techniques and data science to shape the team's future direction. 

The successful candidate will possess excellent analytical skills, a deep understanding of baseball, and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences effectively. The specific role, level, and compensation package will be tailored to the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. 

The salary range for this position is $100,000–$140,000, based on relevant experience and internal equity. Our full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and maintain robust predictive models and data pipelines to generate insights for player evaluation, acquisition, development, and performance optimization. 
• Craft compelling written reports and data visualizations to effectively communicate complex analyses to diverse audiences, including both technical specialists and Baseball Operations leadership. 
• Partner with the Baseball Systems team to seamlessly integrate new analytical findings into team applications and proactively identify and address data quality issues.  
• Take an active role in evaluating cutting-edge analytics and research from public and academic spaces to drive innovative ideas and methodologies to help continuously improve the department. 
• Introduce creative and novel methodologies to improve existing processes and enhance departmental decision making 

COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced understanding of modern statistical and machine learning methods and an advanced proficiency with popular data science languages and libraries.
• Practical understanding of how to approach research questions to drive actionable insights.  
• Able to visualize, present and disseminate analyses to a diverse group of stakeholders (leadership, coaches, players, scouts, etc.) in a clean, intuitive, and engaging way. 

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a quantitative field (such as statistics, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, quantitative social sciences, computer science, computer vision, or operations research) or equivalent professional experience.
• Expert proficiency in SQL and programming languages such as R or Python.
• A passion for baseball and a strong desire to contribute to building a championship-winning team. 

In addition to the above requirements, all roles within Baseball Operations are expected to effectively demonstrate our universal competencies related to problem solving, teamwork, clarity of communication, and time management, along with embodying our culture of honesty, humility, relentlessness, and commitment to DEIB.