Data Scientist

Skywaves Rise; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data science firm in Pretoria seeks a data science leader to oversee a high-performing team and manage the lifecycle of AI and ML models. The role requires experience in delivering models in production within sectors like Fintech, Banking, or Telecoms. The ideal candidate will have a Master's or PhD in relevant fields and familiarity with cloud-based ML platforms. The position offers a significant opportunity to drive innovation and influence business priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics roles.
• Proven delivery of AI / ML models in production environments.
• Exposure to cloud-based ML platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale a high-performing team of data scientists and ML engineers.
• Define and execute the data science roadmap.
• Oversee the end-to-end model lifecycle.

Skills

Data science

Machine Learning

Advanced analytics

AI/ML model production

Cloud-based ML platforms

Education

Master's or PhD in Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, or AI

Tools

TensorFlow

AWS SageMaker

Azure ML

GCP Vertex AI

Job description

experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics roles

• Proven delivery of AI / ML models in production environments—preferably in Fintech, Banking, or Telecoms.
• Exposure to cloud-based ML platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, GCP Vertex AI).
• Preferred : TensorFlow, AWS ML Speciality, Microsoft AI FundamentalsMaster's or PhD in Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, or AI (strongly preferred).

Lead and scale a high-performing team of data scientists and ML engineers.Define and execute the data science roadmap, aligned to business priorities and monetisation opportunities.Oversee the end-to-end model lifecycle—from ideation, exploration, development, validation, to monitoring.Partner with Product, Risk, and Engineering to integrate models into digital and operational channels.Establish standards for model governance, explainability, and ethical AI practices.Drive innovation by exploring emerging techniques in generative AI, reinforcement learning, and real-time scoring.