Azure Data Scientist

Blue Pearl HQ; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Pearl HQ in Johannesburg is seeking an Azure Data Scientist to develop machine learning models and apply advanced analytics using Azure tooling. You will build, train, and deploy models, perform data exploration, and translate business problems into ML solutions.

The role requires hands‑on cloud ML experience, collaboration with data engineers, model monitoring, and delivering data‑driven insights to stakeholders during standard SAST hours.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in ML, AI, data science or advanced analytics.
• Experience delivering production‑ready ML models in cloud environments.
• Strong statistical and mathematical modelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, train, validate, and deploy ML models on Azure (Azure ML, Databricks).
• Perform data exploration, feature engineering, and predictive analytics.
• Collaborate with data engineers to ensure high‑quality training data.
• Translate business problems into ML solutions for stakeholders.
• Develop automated ML workflows using Azure ML Pipelines and MLOps.
• Monitor model performance, drift, and quality; drive improvement.
• Present insights and recommendations to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Skills

Python

Azure ML

Databricks

Synapse

MLOps

Git

CI/CD

Spark ML

Structured data

Unstructured data

Education

Data Science degree

Applied Mathematics

Computer Science

Statistics

DP-100 Azure Data Scientist Associate

Tools

Azure ML

Databricks

Synapse

Azure DevOps

Job description

The Azure Data Scientist will be responsible for developing machine learning models, applying advanced analytics techniques, and delivering data-driven insights using Azure-based tooling. This role requires strong analytical capability, statistical modelling expertise, and hands‑on experience with Azure ML ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, train, validate, and deploy machine learning models on Azure (Azure ML, Databricks).
• Perform data exploration, feature engineering, statistical modelling, and predictive analytics.
• Collaborate with data engineers to ensure availability of high‑quality training data.
• Work with business stakeholders to translate business problems into ML solutions.
• Develop automated ML workflows using Azure ML Pipelines, MLOps practices, and versioning strategies.
• Monitor model performance, drift, and quality; implement continuous improvement processes.
• Present insights, findings, and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Python (pandas, scikit‑learn, NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow optional).
• Experience with Azure Machine Learning, Databricks, Synapse, and associated ML tooling.
• Strong statistical and mathematical modelling skills.
• Experience with MLOps, Azure DevOps, Git version control, and CI/CD for ML.
• Familiarity with distributed ML and big data frameworks (Spark ML).
• Ability to work with structured and unstructured datasets.

Qualifications & Certifications (Preferred)

• DP‑100 Azure Data Scientist Associate.
• Other relevant Azure or ML certifications (Databricks ML, TensorFlow Developer, etc.).
• Degree in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or equivalent.

Experience

• 3–5+ years in machine learning, AI, data science, or advanced analytics.
• Proven experience delivering production‑ready ML models in cloud environments.

Location & Working Model

• Location: Johannesburg (Hybrid working model)
• Ways of Working: Standard SAST business hours
• Candidate: Preferably a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident.