Data Scientist - AI Model Development

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Data Scientist for its Port Elizabeth team in the Eastern Cape. You will develop and implement AI models, work with diverse datasets, and apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to derive business value.

You will collaborate with engineers to deploy models, build data pipelines, and communicate insights to stakeholders. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, experience with Python or R, SQL, and data visualization tools, plus a passion for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field (Data Science, Statistics, CS, Math).
• Proven experience as a Data Scientist or in a similar analytical role.
• Proficiency in Python or R and data science libraries.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large datasets.
• Develop predictive and prescriptive models using ML.
• Design experiments to test hypotheses and evaluate models.
• Train, validate ML models for classification, regression, clustering.
• Communicate findings with visualizations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering to deploy models.
• Identify data-driven opportunities for business improvements.
• Stay updated on DS/ML/AI trends.
• Develop data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Proactively contribute to AI initiatives.

Skills

Data science

Python

SQL

Machine learning

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science

Master's degree in Data Science

Tools

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Tableau

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the AI & Emerging Technologies sector, is seeking a talented and results-oriented Data Scientist to join their team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is central to developing and implementing sophisticated AI models that drive business value and innovation. You will work with diverse datasets, applying advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to uncover insights and build predictive models. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, collaborate with a team of bright minds, and grow your career in a supportive and challenging environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical aptitude, proficiency in data science tools and languages, and a passion for solving complex problems using data. Your expertise will be crucial in turning data into actionable intelligence and innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large, complex datasets from various sources.
• Apply statistical modeling and machine learning techniques to develop predictive and prescriptive models.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and evaluate model performance.
• Build, train, and validate machine learning models for tasks such as classification, regression, and clustering.
• Communicate findings and insights effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders through visualizations and reports.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy models into production environments.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging data science and AI to solve business challenges.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Develop data-driven strategies and provide recommendations for business improvement.
• Contribute to the development of data pipelines and infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience as a Data Scientist or in a similar analytical role.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and associated data science libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with SQL and database management.
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and evaluation metrics.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement benefits. We provide a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , fostering continuous learning and professional growth. Opportunities to attend industry conferences and pursue further training are available. We promote a healthy work-life balance with generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements. Join a forward-thinking company where your analytical skills will be highly valued and contribute to impactful AI initiatives.