Professor in the Practice of Sport Analytics

DescriptionThe Department of Sport Management at Rice University in Houston, Texas, seeks applicants for a full-time (9-month) Professor in the Practice position to further expand the department’s Sport Analytics major. This non-tenure track position has a start date of July 1, 2026.

The primary focus of this position will be the field of sport analytics – both the performance side and the business side. Candidates should be proficient in statistics and data science including modeling, statistical learning, and statistical computing such as R, Python, Tableau, SQL, Excel, or other comparable computational and data scraping platforms. The Professor in the Practice will teach three courses each semester.

Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university located in the heart of Houston’s dynamic Museum District. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of approximately 4,800 undergraduate and 4,100 graduate students. Every year since 1988, Rice has been ranked among the top 20 national universities ( US News & World Report ). During each of the past seven years, the Department of Sport Management was ranked #1 in “Best Colleges for Sports Management in America” by Niche . For information about the Department of Sport Management and the Sport Analytics major, visit www.sport.rice.edu .

Houston offers abundant opportunities to interact with our numerous sport organizations including seven professional teams (NBA, MLB, NFL, NWSL, MLS, LOVB, UFL). Houston is also home to the PGA’s Houston Open, LPGA’s Chevron Championship, the Insperity Invitational, the U.S. Clay Court Championships, the Texas Bowl, Rodeo Houston, and the Houston Marathon. Since 2004, Houston has twice hosted the Super Bowl as well as the NCAA Final Four three times, Copa América Centenario, the Gold Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, the NBA All-Star Game, the World Series, and the 2024 College Football Playoff Championship Game. Seven matches of the 2026 World Cup will be played in Houston.

QualificationCandidates must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in either Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Sport Management, Economics, or another related field by the date employment commences.

Application InstructionsCandidates must complete applications through Interfolio, the hiring system for Rice University.

In addition to the application, the following documents are required: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) teaching philosophy statement, (5) contact information for at least three references (the references will be contacted and asked to provide a letter of recommendation only after the applicant advances beyond the initial screening by the search committee).

We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Also, in our candidate pools, we seek to attract greater representation of women, scholars of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented; attract students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds; accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff varied in background and thought; and maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications January 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Application Instructions****Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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