Agricultural Data Scientist - Remote

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full remote work flexibility

Global project exposure

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Data Scientist for a fully remote role. You will harness large farming datasets to build predictive models, optimize yields, and promote sustainable practices.

Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and strategists to translate data into actionable intelligence. Requirements include a PhD/Masters in a relevant field, 5+ years of data science experience, and proficiency in Python or R with ML libraries.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, CS, Statistics, Agricultural Science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience applying analytical techniques to real-world problems.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, ML algorithms (regression, classification, clustering), and deep learning.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL and data manipulation tools; familiarity with Spark/Hadoop is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and process large volumes of agricultural data from diverse sources (sensors, satellite imagery, farm records).
• Develop, implement, and validate statistical and ML models for predicting crop yields, diseases, and resource needs.
• Design experiments to test hypotheses and evaluate farming strategies.
• Create visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data visualization

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science / CS / Statistics / Agricultural Science

PhD in a related quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SQL/NoSQL

pandas

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in agricultural technology, is looking for a talented and innovative Agricultural Data Scientist to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere. You will be instrumental in harnessing the power of large datasets generated from farming operations to drive insights, optimize crop yields, and promote sustainable practices. This role involves analyzing complex agricultural data, developing predictive models, and creating data-driven solutions to address critical challenges in the food production industry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in data science, machine learning, and a genuine passion for applying these skills to the agricultural sector. You will collaborate closely with agronomists, engineers, and business strategists to translate data into actionable intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and process large volumes of agricultural data from diverse sources (e.g., sensors, satellite imagery, farm records).
• Develop, implement, and validate statistical and machine learning models for predicting crop yields, disease outbreaks, and resource needs.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and evaluate the impact of different farming strategies.
• Create data visualizations and dashboards to communicate complex findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Identify trends and patterns in agricultural data to inform strategic decision-making for clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate data models into production systems and applications.
• Stay current with advancements in data science, machine learning, and agricultural technology.
• Contribute to the development of innovative data-driven products and services in the agri-tech space.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and adherence to privacy standards.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Agricultural Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, with a focus on applying analytical techniques to real-world problems.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering), and deep learning.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with database management (SQL/NoSQL) and data manipulation tools.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of agricultural principles and practices is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex data insights clearly and concisely in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Full remote work flexibility, enabling a global perspective and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge agri-tech projects that have a real-world impact.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Contribute to shaping the future of sustainable agriculture through data.