Insights Data Scientist

Play a key role in the Insights department, driving evidenced based insight across multiple performance functions at the FA.

The role will implement advanced analytical models to provide actionable insights, helping drive evidenced based processes and decisions around player selection, development and performance. Leveraging expertise in data science to design, train, and optimize models, working closely with various stakeholders to ensure cutting edge data-driven insights are effectively communicated and utilized.

What You'll Do?

The Insights Data Scientist will play a pivotal role in creating and implementing advanced analytical models to provide actionable insights and empower informed decision-making.

Data Science Skillset

• Play a leading role in the implementation of advanced statistical techniques and various modelling approaches to derive insights from football datasets including event data, optical and broadcast tracking data, and GPS/performance data.


• Optimize machine learning models, including both supervised and unsupervised learning methods.


• Conduct rigorous hypothesis testing and validation to ensure the robustness of analytical findings.


• Provide technical guidance and support to stakeholders to enhance their understanding and utilization of data science tools.


• Work closely with the Senior Data Architect and Development Team to ensure seamless integration of analytics reporting and models.


Data Wrangling, EDA & Feature Engineering

• Ensure the quality of data used for model development through meticulous data checking and cleaning practices.


• Process and transform raw, unstructured data into usable formats for model training and analysis.


• Develop and refine features from raw data to enhance the performance of predictive models.


Model Selection, Training & Tuning

• Design and develop advanced statistical and machine learning models to analyse a broad set of football data, including event data, tracking data, and performance data.


• Select appropriate algorithms and model architectures based on the problem context and data characteristics.


• Train, validate, and tune models to achieve optimal performance.


• Monitor and refine model performance over time to ensure continued accuracy and relevance.


Data Visualisation

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to translate complex model outputs into actionable insights through impactful data visualizations.


• Executes additional tasks as required in order to meet FA Group changing priorities.


• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing can be maintained.


• As part of The FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
  
  A bachelor's or master's degree in a quantitative field (mathematics, statistics, computer/data science etc.) or in sports science, sport management or related field with demonstrable data science experience.


• Experience in the fundamentals of data science, including but not limited to:

+ Data visualisation
+ Exploratory Data Analysis
+ Data Wrangling
+ Feature Engineering
+ Model Selection/Training/Tuning

• Experience in utilising data to drive insights related to football specific questions.


• Highly skilled in advanced statistical and modelling techniques.


• Experience with football specific datasets, including but not limited to: event data, optical tracking data, broadcast tracking data, GPS data.


• Experience managing complex uncleansed datasets.


• Advanced proficiency in statistical programming languages, especially Python and/or R, for data analysis.


Beneficial to have:

• Experience in a similar role in a professional football environment


• Experience with Time-Series Analysis & Forecasting


• Experience with Bayesian inference/MCMC


What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, in order to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

• Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and wellbeing.


• Free, nutritious lunches, at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.


• Free private medical cover.


• A contributory pension scheme.


• An additional Thank You days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave.


• A hybrid working model offering greater flexibility.