Data Scientist

Primary Purpose

The Cleveland Guardians Baseball Research & Development (R&D) group is seeking to hire Data Scientists at a variety of experience levels, including senior, entry-level, and intern/fellow. In this role, you will work alongside the rest of the R&D group to transform a treasure trove of scientific data (e.g., box scores, bat/ball/player tracking, video, biomechanics) into an information pipeline that helps us acquire better players, improve those players, and equip our coaches and players to emerge victorious.

The Cleveland Guardians strongly prefer our teammates to reside in Cleveland, Ohio.  Exceptional candidates may be considered for remote work.  We can also be flexible on start dates.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Data Scientists in our R&D group apply quantitative methods to make the Cleveland Guardians better on the field.  Depending on your skills and interests, your work may include:

• Building statistical and/or machine learning models to guide player acquisitions, player development philosophy, and Major League decision-making.
• Developing models for the movements and forces governing human motion and its subsequent impact on bat/ball trajectories.
• Creating tools, prototypes, and visualizations that connect R&D insights to coaches, players, and baseball operations staff.
• Communicating complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executives, coaches, and players.

Education & Experience

• Degree or demonstrated experience in a quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Biomechanics, or Engineering).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis and modeling.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to others in both written and verbal form.
• Collaborative and able to succeed in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and solving challenging problems.

Job Skills

We are looking for a variety of skillsets.  If you have experience with one or more of the following areas, you may be who we are looking for:

Statistical Modeling

• Advanced statistical methods (e.g., fixed effects, random effects, generalized additive models).
• Bayesian statistics and probabilistic programming languages (e.g., Stan).
• Database languages such as SQL.

Machine Learning and AI

• Large language models (LLMs).
• Deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, Torch).
• High-dimensional and/or spatiotemporal data.

Domain-Specific Expertise

• Research in a sports context (baseball is a plus).
• Biomechanics software such as OpenSim and Visual3D.
• Game theory applied in real-world contexts.

Organizational Requirements

• Demonstrates the ability to read, speak, comprehend, and communicate effectively in order to perform job duties and interact with coworkers.
• Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive fashion to all business partners, teammates, and the general public.
• Ability to build robust, professional relationships with teammates by demonstrating interpersonal skills, approachability, and a collaborative spirit contributing to a positive, respectful work environment.
• Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the role as outlined in the job description, which may include extended periods of sitting, standing, lifting, or navigating a multilevel ballpark.
• Adapts quickly and effectively to a fast-paced, dynamic, and diverse work environment.
• Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
• Willingness to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Willingness to adhere to all Major League Baseball and Club policies.

About Us

As a proud pillar of the Cleveland community, the Cleveland Guardians are dedicated to building a team that embodies the heart and spirit of our city. We offer compensation and benefits that attract, engage, and retain top talent. We are looking for the best person for the job. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if the salary range below does not meet your expectations. 

The expected annual salary range for this position is $60,000–$125,000. This range serves as a general guideline. Actual compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

At the Cleveland Guardians, we are all about creating an environment that brings out the best in everyone. It is a big part of who we are, how we compete, and how we make an impact in our community. We want every employee to feel like they truly belong here.  

We also know that people sometimes hesitate to apply for jobs unless they check every single box on the qualifications list. We’re looking for the best person for the job, and we know that you might bring skills and experiences that aren’t exactly listed but could be a huge asset to our team. So, if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every single qualification.