Senior Basketball Researcher

Description

Position at Portland Trail Blazers

Become a part of the team behind the team.

The Portland Trail Blazers are seeking a strategic and analytically driven Senior Researcher to join our Basketball Operations team and help shape decision-making processes that support a championship-caliber NBA organization.

As our Senior Researcher, you will blend technical expertise, advanced quantitative analysis, and strong communication skills to uncover actionable insights and translate complex data into clear, basketball-relevant recommendations. You will serve as a trusted partner to Basketball Operations leadership, collaborating across front office and coaching staff to influence and drive data-informed decisions.

DAY-TO-DAY:

• Design, develop, and validate analysis systems, predictive models, and quantitative tools that support strategic decision-making across Basketball Operations.
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations tailored to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Partner with scouting, player personnel, coaching, medical and performance teams to find opportunities where data and technology can create a competitive advantage.
• Communicate insights through compelling presentations, visualizations, and storytelling that make data accessible and actionable.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and analytical approaches to continuously improve basketball intelligence capabilities.
• Help shape and evolve the organization’s overall research philosophy, analytical processes, and long-term innovation strategy.

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU:

• Have experience working with large, complex datasets in an academic, professional, or sports environments; basketball or sports analytics experience preferred.
• Have demonstrated experience in applying statistical modeling, machine learning, and modern analytical frameworks (e.g., Python-based libraries) to solve complex problems and generate actionable insights.
• Are skilled in cleaning, transforming, and preprocessing large datasets using Python or similar scripting languages.
• Are experienced in writing and optimizing SQL queries within relational database environments.
• Possess the demonstrated ability to influence decision-making and build trust across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Have strong intellectual curiosity and basketball acumen, with the ability to connect analytical findings to on-court impact, organizational priorities, and competitive advantage.
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate highly technical concepts into clear, relatable insights for diverse audiences.
• Are comfortable presenting findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Are collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to effectively partner across diverse groups and build strong working relationships.

PERKS:

We invest in our employees inside and outside of work. Our benefits package for full-time teammates includes:

• Competitive Healthcare Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Maternal & Parental Leave
• Flexible Time Off (3 weeks + 11 holidays)
• Wellness Perks
• Free Parking + Discounted Mass Transit Passes
• Discounted & Complimentary Tickets
• Ongoing Learning & Development

Offers of employment are conditional upon the successful results of an individual background check. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories and review results on an individual basis.

The Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter embraces diversity and inclusion. We celebrate individual expression and uniqueness on our campus. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination. We are committed to hiring individuals that reflect the community we serve without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. We are an equal opportunity employer.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.