Principal Data Scientist

Reqiva; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Part time

Job summary

Reqiva in Abu Dhabi seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics, ML and AI-driven decision science initiatives in Abu Dhabi. You will develop sophisticated predictive and prescriptive models, transforming complex data into actionable insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.

The candidate will combine deep expertise in statistics, machine learning, Python and advanced analytics with the ability to lead complex data science initiatives and communicate

Qualifications

• 10+ years in advanced analytics or data science
• Expertise in statistics, econometrics, ML and DL
• Advanced Python, R and SQL programming
• Experience with Databricks and Azure Data Services
• Strong feature engineering and predictive modelling
• Ability to translate data into actionable business insights
• Excellent communication of complex analysis to seniors
• MSc or PhD in relevant fields

Responsibilities

• Lead development of predictive and prescriptive analytics models.
• Design ML and statistical models for business challenges.
• Develop models for credit risk, fraud detection, customer analytics, and operational risk.
• Drive experimentation and advanced modelling techniques.
• Translate complex business requirements into practical, data-driven solutions.
• Apply advanced feature engineering to improve model performance.
• Present analytical findings to senior stakeholders.
• Establish data science standards and governance frameworks.
• Collaborate with technical and business teams to support data-driven decision-making.

Skills

Statistics & econometrics

Machine learning & deep learning

Python

R

SQL

Databricks

Azure Data Services

Communication with stakeholders

Education

MSc or PhD in Data Science / Statistics / Mathematics / CS

Tools

Databricks

Azure Data Services

Job description

Principal Data Scientist

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Salary: Based on experience
Working Arrangement: Onsite
Employment Type: Contract

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics, machine learning and AI-driven decision science initiatives in Abu Dhabi.

This senior technical role will focus on developing sophisticated predictive and prescriptive models, transforming complex data into actionable insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.

The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in statistics, machine learning, Python and advanced analytics, with the ability to lead complex data science initiatives and communicate findings to senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced predictive and prescriptive analytics models.
• Design and develop machine learning and statistical models to address complex business challenges.
• Develop models supporting areas such as credit risk, fraud detection, customer analytics and operational risk.
• Drive experimentation, statistical analysis and advanced modelling techniques.
• Translate complex business requirements into practical, data-driven solutions.
• Apply advanced feature engineering and machine learning techniques to improve model performance.
• Present analytical findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Establish data science standards, governance frameworks and best practices.
• Collaborate with technical and business teams to support data-driven decision-making.

Required Experience

• 10+ years of experience in advanced analytics, data science or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in statistics, econometrics, machine learning and deep learning.
• Advanced programming skills in Python, R and SQL.
• Experience with Databricks and Microsoft Azure Data Services.
• Strong understanding of feature engineering, predictive modelling and statistical analysis.
• Proven experience developing and applying sophisticated analytical models.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.
• Strong communication skills and experience presenting technical findings to senior stakeholders.
• MSc or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related discipline.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within banking, financial services or other regulated environments.
• Experience developing credit risk, fraud detection or financial risk models.
• Knowledge of data science governance, model validation and regulatory considerations.
• Experience working on large-scale enterprise analytics initiatives.