Lead Data Scientist

SoTalent; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Comprehensive employee benefits

Job summary

SoTalent in Raleigh is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive the development and deployment of advanced AI/ML solutions while leading a data science team.

This role combines technical leadership, people development, and strategic collaboration to deliver innovative, data-driven products that solve complex business challenges. Preference for experience with large language models, transformer architectures, and scalable data platforms.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior or lead Data Scientist role.
• Proven track record leading complex AI/ML projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI and ML models.
• Manage data science teams with coaching and mentorship.
• Define project scope, priorities, and delivery plans.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and stakeholders to align AI solutions with business goals.
• Analyse large datasets to identify trends and opportunities for innovation.
• Establish best practices, governance, and quality standards across the data science function.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay updated with emerging AI technologies and drive team improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Python

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science/Mathematics/Statistics

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Transformer architectures (BERT, RoBERTa, T5)

GPT-based models

Job description

Industry: Information Services & Technology / AI & Data Analytics

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to drive the development and deployment of advanced AI and machine learning solutions while leading and mentoring a team of data scientists. This role combines technical leadership, people development, and strategic collaboration to deliver innovative, data-driven products that solve complex business challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI and machine learning models.
• Manage small to medium-sized data science teams, providing technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship.
• Define project scope, priorities, and delivery plans to ensure successful execution.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver AI solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Analyse large and complex datasets to identify trends, insights, and opportunities for innovation.
• Establish best practices, methodologies, governance, and quality standards across the data science function.
• Partner with product leadership to identify opportunities for applying AI and machine learning to business challenges.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay up to date with emerging AI technologies and drive continuous improvement across the team.

Requirements

• Significant experience in a senior or lead Data Scientist role.
• Proven track record leading complex AI and machine learning projects.
• Experience managing or mentoring technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business insights.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) and transformer architectures such as BERT, RoBERTa, T5, or similar.
• Experience working with modern generative AI models, including GPT-based technologies.
• Knowledge of prompt engineering, reinforcement learning, hallucination mitigation, and responsible AI practices.
• Understanding of the business risks and governance considerations associated with deploying AI solutions.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and distributed computing frameworks such as Hadoop or Spark.
• Strong programming skills in Python or another modern programming language.

What\'s on Offer

• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge AI and machine learning initiatives.
• Work alongside highly skilled data scientists, engineers, and product teams.
• Leadership opportunities with a strong focus on coaching and team development.
• Exposure to large-scale data platforms and emerging AI technologies.
• Competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive employee benefits.