Job Title: PhD Student – Data Insights
Level: PhD
Reporting To: University of Birmingham Supervisory Team & NFFC Head of Sports Data Insights
Location: The Academy and Training Ground & University of Birmingham Campus
Role Overview:
A unique opportunity has arisen for an exceptional candidate to complete a Doctorate within the School of Computer Science and the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with Nottingham Forest Football Club related to data science in professional football. The successful candidate will also provide appropriate data science support as part of the First Team Data Insights department, aimed at training to become a data scientist within elite professional football.
What will you be doing?
The research projects are not set; however, investigations should focus on leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to investigate on-field performance and/or player identification & recruitment. The candidate is expected to have a high level of understanding of how data science techniques can be applied to create real-world solutions and have experience of data science methods and tools. They should present their own ideas on the research project during the interview process.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate will hold a postgraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or similar from a recognised university. They will be able to autonomously manage the data science life cycle from hypothesis creation to finding conclusions. Familiarity with different types of football data sources such as event and tracking data, experience with machine learning, and proficiency in Python/R & SQL are required. Knowledge of and experience with other programming languages is advantageous. Experience in data visualisation is necessary for this role, whether programmatic visualisation or use of a BI tool (Power BI, Tableau, etc.). The candidate must be an excellent role model with extremely high levels of motivation. Previous experience within a professional sporting environment is advantageous.
Who should apply?
This is a full-time PhD position, working on a 5 out of 7 days arrangement, primarily based at Nottingham Forest Football Club Training centre (Nottingham, West Bridgford) mixed with a remote working arrangement. This role will help develop you as a data scientist and researcher within the Data Insights industry in High-Performance Sport.
Funding:
The position will be for a 3-year period subject to satisfactory progress of the individual in the role. Funding will consist of UK full tuition fees for three years and the award of a living stipend at the UK Research Council rates (pro-rata into 12 monthly payments).
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital/civil partnership status, pregnancy/maternity leave, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is a signatory of the FA’s Football Leadership Diversity Code. We are committed to developing policies to promote equal opportunities and diversity within our workforce.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding:
As part of the Club’s commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant may be required to undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (“DBS”) check or an enhanced DBS check. The results of a DBS check will be considered on an individual basis.
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