AI Data Scientist - Predictive Modeling

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonus

Paid time off

Training budget

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an AI Data Scientist in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA, with a strong focus on predictive modeling. The role covers the full data science lifecycle from data acquisition to deployment, in a hybrid work environment that supports collaboration and flexible scheduling.

You will work with large datasets, apply advanced ML techniques, and communicate results to both technical and business stakeholders. 3+ years of experience and proficiency in Python/R are expected.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• 3+ years of professional experience as a Data Scientist with emphasis on predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R with relevant data science libraries.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate predictive models using ML techniques.
• Clean, transform, and explore large datasets to identify patterns.
• Design and run A/B tests to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into data science problems.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Stay updated on advances in data science and AI.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share knowledge.
• Develop visualizations and reports to present insights.

Skills

Python

R

Machine Learning

SQL

Data Visualization

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science/Statistics/CS

Tools

scikit-learn

pandas

NumPy

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Tableau/Power BI

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic data analytics firm located in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA, is seeking a talented AI Data Scientist with a strong focus on predictive modeling. This role is central to developing sophisticated machine learning models that derive actionable insights from complex datasets, driving strategic decision-making for our clients. The company fosters a collaborative environment with a hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility while ensuring strong team synergy. As an AI Data Scientist, you will be involved in the entire data science lifecycle, from data acquisition and exploration to model development, validation, and deployment. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional analytical skills, a deep understanding of statistical methods and machine learning algorithms, and proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science. You will work with diverse datasets, tackle challenging predictive modeling tasks, and communicate your findings effectively to both technical and business audiences. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise in a challenging and rewarding role, contributing to impactful data-driven solutions and advancing your career within a growing organization. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about uncovering patterns and building models that drive significant business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate predictive models using various machine learning techniques.
• Clean, transform, and explore large and complex datasets to identify patterns and insights.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into data science problems.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and model results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for data science and analytics within the organization.
• Develop visualizations and reports to present findings and insights effectively.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share knowledge within the team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 3+ years of professional experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong emphasis on predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R, along with relevant data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow/PyTorch).
• Experience with SQL and working with relational databases.
• Solid understanding of statistical concepts, machine learning algorithms, and model evaluation techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package up to ZAR per annum.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Performance bonuses.
• Generous paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities and training budget.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule.
• Access to advanced analytics tools and platforms.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects.