Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sports Systems Analytics

About the Opportunity

SUMMARY

The Network Science Institute (NetSI) is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a new initiative on sports systems analytics. The position will focus on applying tools from network science and data analytics to sports systems. It is part of an expansion of NetSI’s interdisciplinary research portfolio, which leverages tools, theories, and models from complex systems to address societal challenges. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will collaborate closely with the established labs at NetSI: MOBS Lab, Complexity & Society Lab, and the Complex Intelligence Lab.

The successful candidate will work on developing cutting-edge methods to analyze and model sports networks, including player interactions, team dynamics, and market behaviors. The role will emphasize predictive analytics and decision-making in sports contexts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and contribute to projects utilizing advanced data science and network theory methods to study sports systems; some examples of preliminary work to contribute on include:

  • Characterization and analysis of sequences of plays (events) in a match.

  • Causal impact methods for assessing player and team performance.

  • Modeling team dynamics and player market strategies.
     

• Engage with interdisciplinary teams at NetSI, collaborating on topics such as human mobility, public health, and AI to cross-pollinate ideas and approaches relevant to sports analytics.

• Actively participate in the NetSI community by organizing talks, attending workshops, and contributing to collaborative projects that explore intersections of complex systems and societal applications.

• Prepare and present findings through research articles, public presentations, and interactive tools that engage diverse audiences, from sports practitioners to policymakers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a related discipline (e.g., computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, network science, or sports management) required by the start of the appointment.

• Proven experience working with large, complex datasets, with strong programming skills (Python preferred). Familiarity with temporal networks, sequence modeling, hidden Markov models, or causal inference/analysis is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated interest or experience in sports analytics, with a track record of applying quantitative methods to analyze player, team, or market dynamics.

• Strong ability to analyze and visualize data for diverse audiences. Experience with interactive web-based tools or geospatial data visualization is a plus.

• Eagerness to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, mentor students, and engage in career development activities.

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter detailing research interests and fit for the position.

• CV with a list of publications.

• Names and contact information for two references.
   

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.