Upstream Data Scientist - Queenstown

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 95,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangement in Queenstown

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Upstream Data Scientist to enhance efficiency and decision-making in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will leverage ML, statistical modeling, and large upstream datasets (seismic, well logs, production) to extract insights and drive optimization.

Collaborate with geoscientists, reservoir engineers, and production engineers to translate complex findings into business actions. Hybrid remote/on-site work is supported in a dynamic energy-sector environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Data Scientist in upstream Oil & Gas.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning models for upstream applications.
• Analyze large, complex datasets from exploration and production activities.
• Build data visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define analytical problems and data requirements.
• Perform statistical analysis, data mining, and hypothesis testing.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and workflows for upstream data.
• Evaluate and recommend new data science tools and technologies.
• Contribute to data-driven strategies for exploration and production.
• Ensure data quality and integrity throughout the analytical process.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Data-driven decision making

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive force in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a skilled Upstream Data Scientist to enhance their operational efficiency and decision-making processes in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role will leverage advanced analytical techniques, machine learning, and statistical modeling to extract valuable insights from vast upstream datasets, including seismic, well logs, production data, and reservoir simulations. The Data Scientist will work closely with geoscientists, reservoir engineers, and production engineers to identify opportunities for optimization, predictive maintenance, and improved resource recovery. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, proficiency in data science tools and programming languages, and a passion for applying these skills to the unique challenges of the energy industry. This is an exciting opportunity to drive data-driven innovation within a critical sector. We aim to build a robust data analytics capability that supports informed strategic planning and operational enhancements, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning models for upstream applications (e.g., predicting reservoir properties, optimizing drilling parameters).
• Analyze large, complex datasets from exploration and production activities.
• Build data visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with domain experts to define analytical problems and data requirements.
• Perform statistical analysis, data mining, and hypothesis testing.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and workflows for upstream data.
• Evaluate and recommend new data science tools and technologies.
• Contribute to the development of data-driven strategies for exploration and production.
• Ensure data quality and integrity throughout the analytical process.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Data Scientist, with a focus on upstream Oil & Gas applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R and relevant data science libraries.
• Strong experience with machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable business insights.
• Experience working in a hybrid remote/on-site model is beneficial.
• Familiarity with South African energy sector data is a plus.

Benefits

• competitive salary package
• performance bonuses
• comprehensive benefits plan including medical aid, retirement fund, and professional development support
• this hybrid role allows for a flexible work arrangement based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape
• collaborative work environment focused on innovation and continuous learning within the Oil & Gas industry
• commitment to fostering career growth and providing opportunities to work on cutting-edge data science projects that have a tangible impact on operational performance