DATA SCIENTIST

Bestmed Medical Scheme; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

8-hour workday

Life cover

Disability benefits

Funeral cover

Pension fund

Medical aid

Training opportunities

Free Wi-Fi

On-site gym

Wellness programme

Job summary

Bestmed Gauteng is recruiting a Data Scientist in the Actuarial and Data Science Department to convert data into reliable analyses, models and products that drive member value and healthcare intelligence.

The role prepares and validates data, develops fit-for-purpose solutions and communicates findings for business owners. It supports the full delivery cycle from problem definition to implementation and monitoring, building reusable analytical assets under data governance.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is required.
• A relevant degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 2 years' relevant experience in a data science role or related environment.

Responsibilities

• Clarify analytical requests with business owners, scope work and extract and analyse data.
• Develop and evaluate statistical and machine-learning solutions with baselines and tests.
• Build datasets and simulations for risk-adjusted utilisation and pricing analytics.
• Develop and maintain governed dashboards for executive reporting and client services.
• Maintain reusable datasets and analytics workflows with data lineage and governance.
• Monitor data quality and model performance; support scenario modelling and knowledge transfer.
• Deliver Helpdesk analytical work to standards, explain findings and drive adoption.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical modelling

Education

Grade 12

Bachelor's or equivalent in Data Science / Statistics / Mathematics / CS / Actuarial Science or related quantitative field

Job description

Bestmed Gauteng has an opportunity available for a Data Scientist position in the Actuarial and Data Science Department.

Job purpose: The Data Scientist converts Bestmed's data into reliable analysis, models and analytical products that support member value, healthcare intelligence and better operational decisions. The role prepares and validates data, develops fit-for-purpose solutions and communicates findings in a form that business owners can use. The role provides reproducible evidence for agreed business questions and supports the full delivery cycle, from problem definition and development to implementation support, monitoring and improvement. It helps build reusable Bestmed-owned analytical assets within approved data and model governance.

The successful candidate should have:

• Grade 12
• Relevant degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science or a related quantitative field
• Minimum 2 years' relevant experience in a data science role or a closely related environment

Key responsibilities include:

• Clarify analytical requests with business owners, agree scope and success measures, and extract, clean, reconcile and analyse data while documenting sources, transformations and quality limitations.
• Develop and evaluate statistical and machine-learning solutions using appropriate baselines, testing, bias checks and uncertainty measures; document limitations and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Build benefit-comparison datasets, product-rule tests and member-exposure simulations; support risk-adjusted utilisation, provider and programme analytics, and actuarial pricing, reserving and capital work.
• Develop and maintain governed dashboards and analyses for executive reporting, claims, client services and retention; support FWA triage, audit testing and investigation of key performance drivers.
• Build and maintain reusable datasets, code and analytical workflows within approved IT environments, ensuring data lineage, testing, version control, documentation and responsible AI use.
• Monitor data quality, model performance and changing data patterns; investigate exceptions, support scenario modelling and research, and contribute to controlled knowledge transfer.
• Deliver Helpdesk analytical work to agreed standards, explain findings, support adoption, document outcomes and value, and continuously improve processes, automation and analytical quality to enhance member and provider experience.

Bestmed is a non-profit, mutual, self-administered medical scheme registered with the Council for Medical Schemes. We have been providing healthcare to the lives of South Africans for over 60 years. We are the largest self-administered scheme and the fourth largest open medical scheme in South Africa.

Bestmed offers an exceptional benefit programme and competitive packages, including:

• 23 days annual leave
• a workday of only 8 hours, including a 30 minute lunch break.
• Permanent employees have the options under our corporate umbrella fund, which includes life cover, disability benefits, funeral cover and pension fund.
• Permanent employees also have access to medical aid.
• Access to training and development opportunities are plentiful.
• Office benefits include, free Wi-Fi, an on-site gym, and a wellness programme.

We are committed to ensuring that all employees have opportunities for professional development, as well as fair compensation and employee benefits. We are also committed to ensuring a pleasant and mutual work environment, where innovation is welcomed and encouraged. As such, we reinforce a culture of zero tolerance towards any forms of inappropriate behaviour, abuse (including abuse of power, privilege or trust), harassment, or exploitation of any kind to safeguard our members, employees and partners. All employees are required to share in this commitment through our Code of Conduct.

Bestmed is an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and we are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, fairness and equality. We conduct the most appropriate pre-employment assessments and verification checks to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Bestmed reserves the right to schedule and cancel assessments and interviews. Bestmed also reserves the right not to make a placement.