Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist

Newcastle United

Permanent

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Competitive Salary

We are the heartbeat of the city. Come and be a part of a long and proud history where we strive to be the best in everything we do, on and off the pitch. Bringing the people and communities together, join the Newcastle United Family, as we embark on the next steps of our exciting journey.

About the role

Are you passionate about football and machine learning? At Newcastle United, we’re looking for a curious and driven scientist to help us push the boundaries of football intelligence. You’ll be working with cutting-edge data, from player tracking and skeletal movement to event and positional feeds, to uncover insights that shape recruitment, coaching, and strategy.

In this role, you’ll be designing and implementing models that evaluate player decisions, predict movement, and assess possession value. You’ll collaborate closely with our data team and senior technical staff to turn complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that align with our football philosophy.

Your impact

We’re after someone who knows when to use a well-tuned statistical model and when to unleash deep learning. You’ll be comfortable working with large-scale time series data, building bespoke metrics, and integrating diverse models to create rich, layered analysis. If you’ve worked with football data providers like StatsBomb or Second Spectrum, even better.

You’ll need a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field, strong Python skills, and extensive experience applying core machine learning libraries such as Scikit-learn, XGBoost, or LightGBM to structured data problems. The role may also involve developing and deploying deep learning models using frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow where appropriate. Experience with version control (Git) and applying software engineering best practices is essential. Familiarity with MLOps principles and integrating cloud-based data platforms like Snowflake and Azure is a plus.

About the team

We’re building something special here — and we want someone who’s excited to be part of and ready to help us stay at the forefront of football analytics.

Location

This role is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with an expectation of working 3 days per week from the office. Please note, if you are not located in the Northeast and unable to relocate, we regret that we will not be able to progress your application.

Why choose us?

We’ve got a range of great benefits and rewards, from flexible ways of working, participation in our non-contractual employee bonus scheme, NUFC life assurance, free parking, discount at Shearers Bar and the Club Shop, Helping Hand – where you can access free GP appointments, Wellbeing Resources, Legal and Financial Support, pension contribution, free lunch and the best part, free tea and coffee. In addition, we run a salary sacrifice scheme which includes, tech, car, cycle to work and many more.

United As One

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and believe in equal opportunities for all. We recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. We work together to reflect the communities we serve and to maintain an inclusive environment in which everyone can be their authentic self and is enabled to achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding

We’re committed to being a place where everyone is safe, heard, valued and able to thrive so we place high value on the safeguarding and welfare of everyone we engage with.

How to apply

For further information and to apply please visit the link in this advert.

Please apply as soon as possible as this vacancy may close early should we receive a high volume of suitable candidates.

Recruitment Agencies – please note that we do not accept unsolicited / speculative candidate details or applications. Any candidates supplied, unless formally requested, will be taken as a direct / free candidate.