Data Scientist – Baseball Analytics / Baseball Sciences

DEPARTMENT: R&D – Baseball Analytics / Baseball Sciences
ORGANIZATION: Chicago Cubs
REPORTS TO: Assistant Director, Baseball Analytics / Director, Baseball Sciences
LOCATION(S): Chicago, IL / Mesa, AZ / Remote
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $65,000 – $115,000 USD

BEING PART OF THE TEAM
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?

OUR STORY
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE
The Chicago Cubs are seeking Data Scientists to join our Baseball Analytics and Baseball Sciences groups in the Baseball Operations’ Research and Development department. These roles will focus on building models and applications that support baseball decision-making in the front office. Data Scientists will work closely with the rest of the R&D team to design and implement data processing pipelines, develop analytical methods that deepen our understanding and application of data, and deliver insights that inform decision-making across the organization. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.

Data Scientists will specialize with a particular application in mind. Some potential examples:

• Pitching Analysis
• Position Player Analysis
• Major League Strategy
• Amateur Evaluation
• International Amateur Evaluation
• Professional Evaluation
• Quality Assurance, Validation, and Model Explainability
• AI Innovation

THE DAY-TO-DAY:

• Create data modeling pipelines that maintain up-to-date estimates of relevant baseball metrics
• Conduct quantitative research that establishes new insights for a domain specialization
• Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize research and integrate the use of quantitative models in our decision-making processes
• Research, develop, and test methods and models for the purpose of player assessment, development, acquisition, and in-game strategy
• Support the implementation of new technologies and initiatives into existing analytical frameworks
• Effectively communicate findings through written reports, presentations, and visualizations
• Work with Baseball Systems team to integrate new statistical analyses, models, and data visualizations into Cubs web applications
• Build processes that identify, diagnose, and resolve data quality and model drift issues
• Handle data and analysis requests from the coaching staff and other departments within Baseball Operations

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Proficiency with SQL, and at least one programming language commonly used in data analysis (e.g., Julia, MATLAB, Python, R)
• Strong foundation in statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail

WHAT SETS YOU APART:

• Advanced degree and/or comparable work experience in a quantitative discipline
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team setting
• Prior experience/knowledge of baseball analytics and technologies

TOTAL REWARDS:

• On-site parking
• Transit benefits
• Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
• Flexible work arrangement
• Casual work attire environment
• Complimentary Meal & beverage plan
• Cubs home game & spring training  game ticket allotment
• Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
• 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match 
• Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Health & Wellness engagement & programming
• Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free access to EV charging stations (Chicago-based)
• Free subscription to Marquee Sports Network (Chicago-based)

* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Response Expectations:
Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

To Apply
To apply, please follow this link.

The content in this posting was created and provided solely by the Chicago Cubs.