AI Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Bloemfontein based role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an AI Data Scientist in Bloemfontein to lead predictive analytics initiatives. You will build, validate, and deploy models forecasting trends and guiding business decisions.

You will collaborate with stakeholders, clean large datasets, and apply ML techniques while staying current on new methods. Strong communication and problem-solving are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics or related quantitative field.
• 3+ years as a Data Scientist focusing on predictive modeling and analytics.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Statsmodels).
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, ML algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with SQL and relational databases; data visualization tools a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy predictive models using statistical techniques and ML algorithms (regression, classification, time-series, clustering).
• Clean, transform, and prepare large datasets for analysis and modeling.
• Identify drivers and patterns to inform business decisions.
• Collaborate with business units to translate challenges into data science problems.
• Design and run A/B tests and experiments to evaluate model impact.
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay updated with advances in data science, ML, and predictive modeling.
• Monitor model performance in production and retrain as needed.
• Contribute to data-driven product development while ensuring ethical use of data and AI.

Skills

Predictive modeling

Python

R

SQL

Education

Master's or PhD in Statistics, Data Science, CS, Math

Tools

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

Statsmodels

Matplotlib/Seaborn

Tableau

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in AI & Emerging Technologies, is seeking a skilled AI Data Scientist specializing in Predictive Analytics to join their innovative team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is crucial for developing sophisticated models that forecast future trends, optimize operations, and drive strategic decision-making. You will work with complex datasets, leveraging advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques to extract actionable insights. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical capabilities, a deep understanding of data science principles, and practical experience in building predictive models. This position requires your dedicated presence in our Bloemfontein office, fostering close collaboration with fellow data scientists and business stakeholders. We are looking for a passionate individual eager to apply their expertise to solve challenging business problems and contribute to cutting-edge AI initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy predictive models using statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, time-series forecasting, clustering).
• Clean, transform, and prepare large, complex datasets for analysis and modeling.
• Identify key drivers and patterns within data to inform business strategy and decision-making.
• Collaborate with business units to understand their challenges and translate them into data science problems.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Communicate findings, insights, and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through reports and presentations.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and predictive modeling techniques.
• Monitor model performance in production and implement necessary updates or re-training.
• Contribute to the development of data-driven products and solutions.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and AI models.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• 3+ years of experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on predictive modeling and analytics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Statsmodels).
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with SQL and working with relational databases.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into analytical solutions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
• Based in Bloemfontein , this role offers a chance to work in a collaborative environment on impactful projects at the forefront of AI.
• You will gain exposure to diverse datasets and cutting-edge analytical tools, contributing directly to business success.