Data Scientist II

Who We Are

The Panther One team is a subunit of the Analytics team within the University's Pitt Digital organization. We support the Pitt Athletics Department through best-in-class data, analytics, and research & development - building and applying advanced technologies that drive revenue growth, competitive excellence, and operational efficiency.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a data scientist to support Pitt teams through applied analytics and modeling. You bring strong technical skills, curiosity for the games, and a desire to use data to improve team and player outcomes. You believe analytics can complement coaching expertise and help Pitt teams compete at the highest level.

What you will work on

You will focus on developing models and analytical tools that inform decisions related to roster construction, player evaluation, and game strategy for select teams as assigned. Most of your work will involve building and validating predictive models, maintaining analytical datasets, and conducting research projects that provide actionable insight to Pitt coaches, staff, and administrators.

Who you will work with

The employee will collaborate closely with its Panther One team members - including data engineers, analytics engineers, and data scientists - to build solutions. This position should expect to interact with team operations, coaching, and recruiting staff to translate analytical outputs into on-field impact.

Required non-technical experience

• Deep understanding and passion for American football
• Desire to help Pitt Athletics be successful on and off the field
• Ability to translate between technical and non-technical parties

Desired but not mandatory

• Experience working in or with a sports analytics or technology organization, including collegiate or professional football programs.

Required Technical Experience

• 3+ years of relevant experience in data science/analytics, including developing quantitative and machine learning models using supervised and unsupervised techniques
• Demonstrated experience leveraging high-dimensional player tracking or event data for player evaluation, performance analysis, or game strategy
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Experience with database technologies(data lake and data warehouse) and SQL
• version control systems (GitHub preferred)
• Familiarity with cloud technologies enabling data science work (AWS preferred)

Job Summary

Performs research, analysis, and modeling on organizational data and data sets utilizing advanced statistical methods to mine and analyze complex and unstructured data sets. Offers complex analysis and utilizes advanced algorithms and statistical software. Adheres to all protocols.

Essential Functions

• Working with PC related hardware equipment, software applications and telephony video conferencing systems.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Interpersonal relations.
• Analyzing and organizing information.
• Proficient knowledge of IT.

Physical Effort

Generally sedentary desk work with computer-keyboard video phone other than traveling to other buildings on campus for meetings/events on occasion. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Benefits

• The University offers a robust retirement savings plan with 100% employer match, 150% after vesting.
• 11 Paid Holidays.
• Paid Vac, Sick, Personal.
• Add'l Winter Recess Paid Time Off.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Above-average Employer Contribution toward Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Life, and more.
• Education benefits for staff, spouses/ partners, dependents.
• Student loan assistance.
• Free transit pass.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Work Schedule

M-F bus hrs EST. On occasion, some evening and weekend work may be necessary depending on business load, project timeline requirements, urgent support, or scheduled downtime changes. May be responsible for manning an escalation/on-call phone number.

Additional Information

• Applicants should list salary requirements in their cover letter.
• The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
• Assignment Category Full-time regular
• Job Classification Staff.Data Scientist II
• Job Family Research
• Job Sub-Family Data Science
• Campus Pittsburgh
• Minimum Education Level Required Master's Degree
• Minimum Years of Experience Required 3
• Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
• Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications
• Relocation Offered Yes
• Visa Sponsorship Provided No
• Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
• Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable
• Required Documents Resume, Cover Letter
• Optional Documents Not Applicable