Data Scientist

LIFE Healthcare Group; Rosebank; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Data Scientist to support funder strategy and health policy development through predictive analytics. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, 4+ years of experience, strong statistical and machine learning skills, and a passion for solving complex problems. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently. The closing date for applications is November 28, 2025.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in an analytics environment.
• Experience with statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Strong technical knowledge in complex analysis.
• Healthcare experience will be a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support funder strategy and health policy development using data analytics.
• Extract insights from structured and unstructured datasets.
• Work collaboratively with the data engineering team.
• Prepare actionable insights for a non-technical audience.

Skills

Analytical skills

Statistical techniques

Machine learning techniques

Python

SQL

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or related field

Honours-level degree preferred

Job description

A vacancy exists for a Data Scientist based at Life Healthcare Head Office reporting to Funders and Health Policy Executive. The successful incumbent will have the opportunity to utilize their natural curiosity for problem solving and technical expertise to ensure we are leveraging data effectively to drive decision‑making within Life Healthcare.

Critical Outputs

• In this role, you will support the funder strategy and health policy development through the delivery of predictive and prescriptive analytics.
• Answer strategic questions and apply statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from structured and unstructured datasets to solve specific problems of business stakeholders.
• Work independently or collaboratively with other team members and the data and analytics team to develop relevant, actionable insights from data analyses.
• Partner with the data engineering team to identify areas of opportunity to effectively combine data from disparate sources.
• Provide technical expertise and data-driven support for engagements with funders.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and an ability to present insights in a compelling and actionable way to a non-technical audience.

Qualifications

• Recommended Bachelors and preferably Honours-level degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Economics or a cognate analytical field, or other equivalent qualifications.
• 4+ years of experience in an analytics environment, using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Specific coding language experience (Python/SQL) would be an advantage.
• You have deep technical knowledge and experience in conducting complex analysis using multiple data sources and a passion for attention to detail.
• You are an abstract thinker with the ability to solve complex problems in creative, sustainable ways.
• You have strong critical thinking skills and ask relevant questions to improve processes and build efficiencies.
• You possess the talent for strong influencing and networking skills to help build and foster existing consultative relationships that drive synergy and partnership opportunities.
• You are proactive and self‑motivated with the capability to work autonomously and make independent decisions to meet deliverables with minimal oversight.
• You are passionate about continuous improvement with a strong desire to continue learning in order to stay relevant to business changes and industry trends.
• Healthcare experience will be a strong advantage.

Competencies

• Planning and organising.
• Analysis and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to handle pressure.
• Presentation skills.
• Building relationships.
• Resilience.
• Managing deadlines.

Internal applicants – Before making an application you are requested to discuss your application with your line manager. External candidates will also be considered.

Email: [e-mail] • Closing date: Friday, November 28, 2025

Life Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advert should consider their application as unsuccessful.