Rip City Careers

Become a part of the team behind the team.

The Portland Trail Blazers are looking to add a talented Senior Researcher to our Basketball Operations team that will help our organization uncover and communicate impactful insights in pursuit of building a championship-level NBA team.

As our Senior Researcher, you will play a key role in developing and evolving the processes, tools, and systems that drive data-informed decision-making across the organization. You will partner closely with Basketball Operations leadership, the Director of Research & Development, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for both front office and coaching staff.

DAY-TO-DAY:

• Design, develop and validate analysis systems and quantitative tools to help understand the game of basketball at a deeper, more fundamental level.
• Introduce the insights derived from research into decision-making processes within all areas of basketball operations: front office, scouting, coaching, medical, etc.
• Creatively identify areas and processes that could benefit from enhanced data-driven decision-making and rigorously approach potential solutions.
   

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU ARE:

• Experienced working with large, complex datasets in an academic and/or industry setting.
• Proficient in developing and deploying machine learning models using modern frameworks (e.g., Python-based libraries), with a deep understanding of modeling techniques and evaluation methods.
• Skilled in cleaning, transforming, and preprocessing large datasets using Python or similar scripting languages.
• Experienced in writing and optimizing SQL queries within relational database environments.
• Passionate about the game of basketball, with a curiosity for how data and innovation can drive competitive advantage.
• Able to collaborate and communicate effectively within a group setting.
   

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.