Data Scientist ( AI Specialist )

FNB South Africa; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bank in South Africa is looking for a skilled AI Practitioner/Data Scientist specializing in Generative AI. The candidate should possess strong data engineering skills and be capable of deploying AI models in production environments. This role requires collaboration across teams to ensure data integrity and model efficiency. Applicants should have significant experience within the AI domain and familiarity with data management practices.

Benefits

Continuous learning opportunities

Participation in conferences

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in AI with focus on Generative AI.
• Proven experience in data engineering including pipeline development.
• Hands-on with deep learning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, optimize analytical solutions utilizing Generative AI.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure data availability for model training.
• Deploy AI models ensuring performance and scalability.

Skills

Generative AI

Data Engineering

Deep Learning

Python

SQL

ETL

MLOps

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field

Master's or Ph.D. (advantageous)

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled AI Practitioner/Data Scientist with a deep specialization in Generative AI and a robust background in data. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in designing, developing, and deploying AI models with a focus on generative techniques. This role demands a strong understanding of data engineering principles, making the candidate well-equipped to handle the data pipeline challenges inherent in AI and data projects.

• Design, implement, and optimize operational and analytical solutions utilizing Generative AI models.
• Develop and fine-tune RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) frameworks utilizing LLM frameworks such as LangChain, Llama-Index or other generative frameworks.
• Experiment with new architectures and techniques to push the boundaries of generative AI.
  
  
• Collaborate with data engineering/analyst teams to ensure the availability and quality of data needed for model training and validation.
• Design and maintain scalable data pipelines to handle large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
• Perform ETL tasks with to create optimal data-warehousing structures (Dimensional modelling) for optimal storage, ease of use and maintainability.
• Integrate data from various sources and ensure its proper storage, transformation, and accessibility.
  
  

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled AI Practitioner/Data Scientist with a deep specialization in Generative AI and a robust background in data. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in designing, developing, and deploying AI models with a focus on generative techniques. This role demands a strong understanding of data engineering principles, making the candidate well-equipped to handle the data pipeline challenges inherent in AI and data projects.

GenAI Model Development

• Design, implement, and optimize operational and analytical solutions utilizing Generative AI models.
• Develop and fine-tune RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) frameworks utilizing LLM frameworks such as LangChain, Llama-Index or other generative frameworks.
• Experiment with new architectures and techniques to push the boundaries of generative AI.
  
  

Data Engineering

• Collaborate with data engineering/analyst teams to ensure the availability and quality of data needed for model training and validation.
• Design and maintain scalable data pipelines to handle large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
• Perform ETL tasks with to create optimal data-warehousing structures (Dimensional modelling) for optimal storage, ease of use and maintainability.
• Integrate data from various sources and ensure its proper storage, transformation, and accessibility.
  
  

Deployment And Scaling

• Deploy AI and generative AI models in production environments, ensuring they meet performance, scalability, and reliability requirements.
• Work with DevOps teams to automate the deployment and monitoring of AI models.
• Optimize model inference for performance and cost efficiency in cloud and on-premises environments.
  
  

Collaboration And Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, engineers, product managers, and business stakeholders, to align AI solutions with business objectives.
• Communicate complex AI concepts and findings to non-technical stakeholders.
  
  

Continuous Learning And Innovation

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in Generative AI and data engineering.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to research publications and patent filings in the field of Generative AI.
  
  

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in AI, with a focus on Generative AI (1-2 years).
• Proven experience in data engineering, including data pipeline development, ETL processes, and database management.
• Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and Generative AI frameworks.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
  
  

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and familiarity with data manipulation libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong knowledge of machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and generative models.
• Experience with data storage solutions (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Vector databases).
• Knowledge of MLOps practices, including model versioning, monitoring, and retraining
  
  

Soft Skills

• A proactive attitude with a passion for learning and innovation.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications And Certification

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• Master's or Ph.D. is advantageous

• Any of the following certifications are highly advised:
• AWS Certified AI Practitioner
• AWS Certified Machine Learning
• GCP Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• GCP Associate Cloud Engineer
• Microsoft Azure AI engineer
• Microsoft Azure Data Science.
  

#Post

#FNB

Job Details

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

10/07/25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Banking

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at FNB South Africa by 2x

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 2 weeks ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 2 weeks ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 3 weeks ago

Junior Software Development Engineer (CPT)

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 1 day ago

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

Software Developer (Full Stack Developer)

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

Junior Software Development Engineer (CPT)

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 16 hours ago

Software Engineer (Python) - Supply Chain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 2 days ago

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 week ago

Software Engineer (Python) - Supply Chain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 2 days ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 3 weeks ago

AI and Automation Graduate Engineer (1 year programme)

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 2 days ago

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 1 day ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 3 weeks ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 2 weeks ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 1 month ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.