Position: Analyst, Research and Development

Department: R&D
Reports To: Director, Research & Development

Role
The Chicago Cubs are seeking analysts to join the Research and Development group in Baseball Operations. Analysts will contribute to core research furthering the general knowledge-base of the Chicago Cubs while specializing in one of five core areas:

• Amateur Scouting
• Biomechanics/Performance Science
• International Scouting
• MLB Advance Scouting
• Pitching Development

The analyst will work closely with the entirety of the R&D department to develop statistical models that evaluate players and development opportunities, process and interpret data, and disseminate analytic insights to their associated departments. We will consider applications with various levels of experience.

Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the analyst will vary based on their focus, but all will share responsibilities contributing to the development of our understanding of baseball skills, evaluation, strategy, and decision-making.

General responsibilities:

• Analyze collected data leveraging in-house models and insights
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve data quality issues throughout our baseball system
• Assess the efficacy of alternative technologies that offer innovative data solutions
• Work with Baseball Systems team to integrate new analyses and data visualizations into Cubs web applications
• Represent the R&D department in discussions with and presentations to stakeholders from other departments

Amateur Scouting responsibilities:

• Create new and update existing models evaluating amateur skills and how they might develop with future experience
• Conduct in-depth evaluations and write up reports on individual amateur players
• Assist amateur scouts in efforts to identify players of interest and facilitate their data collection and reporting efforts
• Organize and oversee data ingestion from a variety of technologies

Biomechanics / Performance Science responsibilities:

• Analyze motion-capture, force plate, and various sensor data to identify important performance thresholds that guide training development
• Advance our organizational understanding of how biomechanical movements translate to observable pitch and batted ball traits
• Coordinate and vet the utility of new data streams from our hitting and pitching labs
• Collaborate with high-performance, player development, and scouting departments to leverage player observations into actionable insights

International Scouting responsibilities:

• Identify relationships between tracked information on international amateur players and future success in MLB systems
• Develop models evaluating signing strategies and predicting career trajectories of international amateurs
• Conduct in-depth evaluations and write up reports on individual international amateurs
• Organize and oversee data ingestion from a variety of technologies

MLB Advance Scouting responsibilities:

• Analyze in-game strategic decisions, defensive positioning, and personnel deployment
• Contribute to the design and creation of reporting tools tracking player performance along a variety of dimensions
• Aid the advance process in preparing for upcoming opponents
• Resolve discrepancies in evaluation between model output and our coaching staff

Pitching Development responsibilities:

• Analyze in-game strategic decisions, defensive positioning, and personnel deployment
• Review data collected on Cubs pitching prospects and conduct in-depth evaluations identifying their strengths and areas of improvement
• Translate findings from data into tangible coaching and skill-development objectives
• Provide guidance and research assistance to pitching coaches in Player Development as they raise questions that can be answered with data analysis
• Assist in developing and monitoring data-driven player plans that will provide objective goals for pitchers throughout our system
• Potentially travel to minor league affiliates to support player development initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a quantitative field such as statistics, engineering, mathematics, physics, quantitative social sciences, computer science, or operations research
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with SQL, and familiarity coding statistical algorithms in at least one programming language (e.g., C, MATLAB, Python, R)

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of advanced baseball statistics
• Passion for learning more about how to succeed in baseball
• Previous work experience in professional baseball

To Apply
Interested applicants may apply via this link.

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.

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