Data Scientist

Mindworx Consulting and Academy; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm is looking for a data scientist to join their technology team in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of an Honours degree and over 3 years of hands-on experience in Python development, machine learning, and big data technologies. Responsibilities include developing predictive models and optimizing data pipelines to impact business decisions and enhance user experiences.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on Python development experience.
• Proven experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms.
• Strong knowledge of data quality frameworks and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and optimise predictive models.
• Deploy and monitor ML models in production environments.
• Analyse diverse data sources to uncover actionable insights.

Skills

Machine learning

Python development

Data analysis

Model deployment

SQL proficiency

Problem-solving

Education

Honours degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

Jupyter Notebooks

Docker

scikit-learn

PyTorch

TensorFlow

LightGBM

XGBoost

Pandas

Job description

We’re looking for a data scientist to join our technology team. You'll leverage cutting-edge cloud technology and work on exciting challenges that directly impact business decisions and user experiences.

Machine learning & automation

• Design, build, test, and optimise predictive models that deliver automated business intelligence
• Develop sophisticated algorithms to solve complex business challenges
• Deploy and monitor ML models in production environments with proper versioning and tracking

MLOps & model lifecycle management

• Track model performance, detect drift, and manage model retraining workflows
• Containerise ML applications and manage model versioning across environments
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to identify, scope and solve critical business problems
• Create automated reporting systems and interactive dashboards that empower data‑driven decision making
• Monitor platform performance and establish key performance metrics

Analytics & insights

• Analyse diverse data sources including custom analytics, paywall metrics, and web analytics to uncover actionable business insights
• Conduct deep‑dive user behaviour analysis to enhance UX and drive engagement
• Data engineering & pipeline development
• Build and maintain robust data pipelines for ingesting, processing and transforming large datasets
• Ensure data quality and implement validation checks across data workflows
• Design efficient ETL / ELT processes to support analytics and ML initiatives

Education & Experience

Honours degree (minimum) in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering or related field

• 3+ years of hands‑on Python development experience
• Proven experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms
• Development tools: Git version control, Jupyter Notebooks, Docker
• ML frameworks: scikit‑learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, LightGBM, XGBoost, Pandas
• Data engineering: SQL, DAG orchestration tools, data pipeline design, ETL / ELT processes
• Statistical methods: linear / logistic regression, statistical analysis techniques
• Recommendation systems: collaborative filtering, content‑based and hybrid models
• Tree‑based methods: Random Forests, decision trees, gradient boosting
• Advanced techniques: clustering algorithms, natural language processing (bag‑of‑words, word embeddings, transformer models)
• Model deployment: production deployment, A/B testing, model monitoring and maintenance

Data engineering skills

• Strong SQL proficiency and database design principles
• Experience with data warehousing concepts and dimensional modelling
• Knowledge of data quality frameworks and validation processes
• Understanding of streaming vs. batch processing architectures

Mindset

• Curiosity and eagerness to learn emerging technologies, platforms and methodologies
• Problem‑solving approach with attention to detail and business impact
• Strong collaboration skills for working across engineering and business teams