Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoctoral Associate - UF Sports Analytics Lab)

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Classification Minimum Requirements:

PhD in statistics, data science, business analytics, sports analytics, operations research, computer science, or a closely related quantitative field, earned by July 1, 2026.

Job Description:

The UF Sports Analytics Lab in the Department of Sport Management, College of Health & Human Performance, at the University of Florida invites applications for a full‑time Postdoctoral Associate in Sports Analytics. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

This 12‑month position focuses primarily on applied on‑field performance analytics in collaboration with Florida Gators Athletics, with additional projects in business and operations analytics as needs arise. The Postdoctoral Associate will work closely with the Lab Director to support multiple varsity teams and the Athletic Director’s staff and to help manage a large cohort of student analysts (approximately 40 undergraduate and master’s students).

The appointment is renewable annually for up to a total of three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, continued need, and availability of funding.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement applied sports analytics projects for UF varsity teams and the Athletic Director’s office, with an emphasis on on‑field performance (e.g., player and team evaluation, game strategy, scouting, workload and injury risk, practice planning).
• Contribute to sport business and operations analytics projects as needed (e.g., ticketing, fan engagement, and scheduling).
• Build and maintain data pipelines and models using R, Python, SQL, and cloud computing resources, following best practices for reproducible research and version control (GitHub).
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and masters student analysts working on projects across multiple teams and units.
• Communicate findings clearly to coaches, staff, and other stakeholders, and contribute to publications, presentations, and grant proposals emerging from lab projects.
• Lead and co‑author scholarly publications and conference presentations arising from lab projects, in collaboration with the Lab Director and student analysts.
• Support the educational mission of the lab through mentoring and occasional guest lectures or workshops in sports analytics (no formal classroom teaching load) or courses related to sport performance analytics if needed.

Appointment Terms and Salary

This is a full‑time, 12‑month, non‑tenure‑track faculty appointment as a Postdoctoral Associate, based on the University of Florida’s main campus in Gainesville, Florida.

• The appointment is renewable annually for up to three years, contingent on performance, need, and funding.
• The anticipated salary range is $60,000–$70,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience and meeting or exceeding UF’s minimum for postdoctoral associates.

Postdoctoral Associates at UF are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance options; retirement programs; and paid leave, subject to FTE and program rules. For more information, see: https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits/eligibility/post-doctoral-associates/.

Department of Sport Management

The Department of Sport Management (SPM) is committed to excellence and impact through: (a) innovative, socially impactful research; (b) preparation and training of future industry and academic professionals; (c) community engagement; and (d) stewardship of the future of sport. The department includes approximately 8 instructional and 8 tenured or tenure‑track faculty, supported by award‑winning advisory and administrative staff. Across residential and online programs, SPM serves more than 900 students (about 550 undergraduate majors, 316 master’s students, and 16 PhD students). The Sport Management online program was one of the first in the country and remains a thriving part of the department. Additional information about the department’s research and teaching activities is available at https://hhp.ufl.edu/about/departments/spm/.

The University of