Graduate Data Scientist Intern – AI, Machine Learning & Sports Analytics | Dubai, UAE

Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Hybrid

Job Category

• Information Technology (IT) & Software
• Science & Research
• Education & Training
• Internships & Entry-Level
• Others / Miscellaneous

Job Overview

DEF Academy is seeking a Graduate Data Scientist Intern to help build foundational Data and AI systems for its hybrid Football and Futsal ecosystem. The role combines sports analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital learning, and academy operations, providing practical exposure to real-world data science applications.

The intern will work directly with the Founder on projects involving computer vision, player and ball tracking, match event extraction, machine learning, personalization, data architecture, business intelligence, and workflow digitization. The position provides hands-on experience transforming player and operational data into actionable insights and scalable digital solutions.

This is a paid, full-time, six-month internship with direct mentorship from the Founder and the opportunity to transition into a full-time position based on performance. The role provides strong opportunities for career growth and professional development through practical experience in Data Science, AI, sports technology, analytics, and business intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Benchmark and integrate computer vision solutions for player and ball tracking.
• Support match event extraction and sports analytics initiatives.
• Design performance KPIs focused on player development, creativity, and decision-making.
• Analyze player data to generate actionable insights.
• Develop automated reports and personalized workout and learning recommendations.
• Collect, clean, structure, and transform data from multiple sources.
• Build and maintain a centralized player database.
• Develop multi-season player tracking models.
• Digitize academy schedules, inventory, and operational workflows.
• Build BI dashboards for coaches, players, parents, and management.
• Develop dashboards for performance, attendance, and revenue metrics.
• Support data and AI system development across the academy ecosystem.
• Collaborate directly with the Founder on data-driven product initiatives.
• Apply machine learning and analytical techniques to real-world sports and business problems.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Recent graduate or final-year Master’s student in:
  • Computer Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • or a related field
• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of Pandas and NumPy.
• Understanding of core machine learning principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with stakeholders.
• Strong interest in applying data science to practical business and sports problems.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• OpenCV
• YOLO
• PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Power BI or Tableau
• Git
• Cloud platforms and APIs
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Generative AI
• Passion or practical interest in football or futsal

Salary, Benefits & Career Growth

This is a paid, full-time, six-month internship. The internship compensation amount has not been specified.

Benefits include direct mentorship from the Founder and hands-on experience building real-world AI, Data Science, Computer Vision, Sports Analytics, and Business Intelligence systems. There is also an opportunity to transition into a full-time role based on performance.

The position provides valuable professional development through practical project experience, technical mentoring, exposure to AI and data technologies, and opportunities to develop skills relevant to long-term careers in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI Engineering, Sports Analytics, and Business Intelligence.

Application Process

Application Process (Website):

Apply through the official job link, where available.

Click Apply Now on the website.

HR Email for Application

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Employment Type: Full-time Internship
Duration: 6 Months
Work Mode: Hybrid
Location: Dubai, UAE