Data Scientist

Nedbank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services group in South Africa seeks an experienced Data Scientist to develop advanced statistical models and machine learning solutions. This role involves deep statistical analysis and collaboration with banking specialists to create impactful AI strategies. The ideal candidate will have 3–7 years' experience and strong skills in Python and R, as well as knowledge of tools like Hadoop and Spark. Join us in shaping the future of AI in financial services.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in data science or statistical modelling.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning and statistics.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics and fairness.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced statistical models, algorithms, and ML solutions.
• Conduct deep statistical analysis to uncover insights.
• Support end-to-end ML design including adaptability and monitoring.

Skills

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Data mining

Python

R

Collaboration

Education

Relevant STEM degree

Master’s or PhD

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Hive

Job description

Lead the AI Evolution at Nedbank

We are building the next generation of analytic engines and intelligent data capabilities and we are looking for Data Scientists who are ready to turn complex data into powerful business outcomes. If you are driven by advanced modelling, machine learning innovation, and solving real‑world financial challenges, this is your opportunity to make your mark where it matters most.

What You’ll Do

Build Next‑Generation Analytic Engines

• Develop advanced statistical models, algorithms, and ML solutions
• Convert prototypes into scalable, production‑ready models

Turn Complex Data Into Action

• Conduct deep statistical analysis to uncover insights
• Identify trends, measure performance, and deliver intelligence to stakeholders
• Transform raw data into meaningful business solutions

Shape the Future of AI in Financial Services

• Gain expertise in financial domain concepts and regulations
• Work closely with banking specialists to design ML solutions for financial environments
• Contribute to Nedbank’s AI/ML strategy and roadmap

Engineer Smart, Scalable ML Systems

• Support end‑to‑end ML design including adaptability, retraining, and monitoring
• Assess ML performance aligned with IT and business strategy
• Collaborate across teams on solution engineering

Build Your Craft

• Apply strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and computational complexity
• Use Python, R, and big data frameworks like Hadoop and Spark
• Stay ahead of emerging tech through continuous learning
• Communicate insights clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences

Why Nedbank

As one of Africa’s leading financial services groups, Nedbank is committed to innovation, sustainability, and empowering Africa’s future. Work at the intersection of AI, business strategy, and financial innovation.

People Specification

Qualifications

• Matric and relevant STEM degree
• Preferred: Engineering, Computer Science, Econometrics, Mathematical Statistics, Actuarial Science
• Master’s or PhD advantageous

Experience

• 3–7 years in data science or statistical modelling
• Hands‑on ML, statistics, optimisation
• Proficient in Python, R, Matlab
• Experience with Hadoop, Hive, Spark, MapReduce
• Strong collaboration skills and adaptability

Technical Expertise

• Data mining, statistical analysis
• Supervised & unsupervised learning
• NLP, deep learning
• Feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning
• Data modelling, pipelines, integration
• Cloud fundamentals
• Model deployment & monitoring
• Visualisation & presentation
• AI ethics & fairness

Ready to lead the future of AI?

Click “Apply” and our Talent Acquisition team will connect with you.

Please contact the Nedbank Recruiting Team at [phone].