Basketball Data Scientist

The Miami HEAT are seeking a passionate and skilled Basketball Data Scientist! This position is responsible for conducting data science research that will investigate new areas of basketball study to provide the basketball operations staff with actionable insights.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following are examples of the various functions required. The job requirements are not limited to the items on this list.

• Perform statistical analyses and develop machine learning algorithms to create profound new studies and uncover insights
• Work with the data engineering team to ensure the results of research are easily accessible to the rest of the basketball analytics team
• Use data visualization techniques to build tools for interpreting research
• Apply data processing and manipulation techniques to a wide range of data sets from various sources.
• Work with other members of basketball operations to ensure that their questions can be answered with research, and establish effective communication of basketball ideas.
• Provide ad-hoc analysis that aids in both short and long-term decision-making.

Desired Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Passion for basketball and knowledge of modern basketball research. Bachelor’s degree in quantitative field like data science, statistics, economics, mathematics, engineering, etc. Masters preferred. 1+ years of relevant experience and track record of leveraging data to drive significant impact. 

Strong knowledge of basketball is preferred.

Programming Skills

• Expertise using Python for data analysis and statistical modeling.
• Proficient in using SQL and navigating databases
• Experience building machine learning model pipelines: exploratory analysis, feature engineering, model specification, model validation, and production model implementation.
• Familiarity with data visualization and BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, etc)
• Adherence to fundamental software engineering principles (version control, code modularization, etc.). Ability to work on tight timelines acknowledging shifting work priorities.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Reasoning Ability

       Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Communication Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences. Effective facilitation skills. Ability to facilitate group discussions. Attention to detail. Ability to develop accurate written materials. Action-oriented. Ability to follow up on feedback to ensure positive outcomes.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender/gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. EOE & DFWP