Applied Data Scientist

Control Risks; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A global risk management consulting firm based in Johannesburg is looking for an Applied AI Scientist to lead the development and implementation of AI-based solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience in AI and machine learning, with a strong background in data engineering and programming. Responsibilities include implementing AI models, collaborating with engineering teams, and communicating insights effectively to clients. This role offers an opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with AI and machine learning models.
• Proficiency in data engineering tools within Azure or AWS.
• Familiarity with MLOps principles and scalable workflows.

Responsibilities

• Implement machine learning and AI models to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering on enriching existing datasets.
• Communicate insights effectively to various stakeholders.

Skills

Machine Learning

AI Models

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Data Analysis

Programming (Python)

Deep Learning

Cloud Platforms (Azure)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science or related field

Tools

Azure AI Foundry

Microsoft Fabric

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Power Platform

Job description

To lead the development and implementation of AI-based solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency within Control Risks. The Applied AI Scientist will work within the broader Data Engineering team and focus on the use of advanced AI and machine learning techniques to build, analyze, and deploy scalable, enterprise-wide AI solutions

What You'll Do:

• Implement machine learning and AI models, including LLMs, and integrate them into existing systems using Azure AI Foundry and Power Platform.
• Monitor, maintain, and retrain machine learning and AI models to ensure they remain up-to-date and effective.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering on projects to enrich existing data with AI driven metrics and apply RAG to enable data searching with natural language.
• Apply mathematical and statistical fundamentals to automate manual processes and optimize risk-based solutions and applications.
• Communicate insights to internal/external clients through presentations and demonstrations - delivering both technical and non-technical insights.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in AI and data analytics.
• Maturity to navigate limitations like data availability, budget, and timelines.
• Participate workshops, presentations, and demonstrations to showcase AI capabilities and benefits. Ability to create polished presentations and explain statistical findings to non-technical users when needed.
• Participate in educating, training and development of more junior team members.

Who You Are:

• Preferably 2+ years of experience working with different AI capabilities and showcasing your passion both at work and outside work in the development of highly complex AI models (NLP, LLMs, Deep learning etc).
• 2+ years of experience working within a Data Engineering function, having proficiency in analytical and pipelining tools within platforms such as Microsoft Azure / AWS.
• Technical proficiency in programming languages and frameworks commonly used in NLP and AI (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric, Azure ML Studio, and MLOps principles to build scalable workflows for effective ML monitoring systems.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills with good fluency in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a global team environment.
• Good interpersonal skills, possessing the confidence to build relationships with all levels of stakeholders.
• Understanding of Git Version control, CI/CD, Agile development, data security, and governance.
• Bachelor’s degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering or a related field.
• Certifications in AI, data analysis, or related areas are a plus.
• Knowledge of low-code development and business automation is advantageous.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure is preferred.
• Experience in development on both Dataverse and other sources like SharePoint.
• Any Power Platform certification will be an advantage.
• Experience in applying RAG solutions for commercial data.

Problem Solving

Owns problems, identifies and works with the right people to solve problems quickly within own remit and wider team(s)

Innovation & Creativity

Reviews and looks for efficiencies in ways of working; Constantly seeks innovative ways to improve services we offer to our clients.

Shows initiative in work, contributing new solutions or new ways of doing things

Applied Thinking/Decision Making

Be prepared to make decisions and effective implementation of those decisions

Translates decisions into effective actions and implementation

Acts decisively and make difficult decisions even if unpopular

Results Oriented

Delivers on personal objectives to deliver to strategic and department plans – Focuses on delivery, strives to exceed expectations

Shows drive and determination to achieve high standards

Driving profit/margin improvement

Suggests and makes improvements and efficiencies to manage costs and improve margins

Understands need to work within project scope including price

Communication, planning work and influencing

Communicates clearly and concisely using language appropriate to audience

Displays sensitivity to develop constructive relationships with others

Plans and organises workload of own and others, suggests priorities as necessary