Data Scientist - AI Specialization

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Flexible work hours

Professional growth and conference/tr

Remote-first culture

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Data Scientist with a strong AI specialization to join a remote-first team serving clients across South Africa, with a focus on the George, Western Cape region. You will develop predictive models, train AI algorithms, and collaborate with data engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to deliver actionable business insights.

The role emphasizes independence, robust data pipelines, and practical AI solutions, supported by a collaborative culture and opportunities to work on

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, CS, Mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• Proven experience as a Data Scientist with a strong AI/ML focus.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, ML algorithms, and deep learning concepts.
• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Matplotlib, Seaborn.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends and insights aligned with business objectives.
• Develop, train, and deploy ML and DL models for prediction, classification, and clustering.
• Design experiments to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Build predictive and prescriptive models using statistical techniques and AI algorithms.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences with visuals and reports.
• Collaborate with data engineers to build robust data pipelines and ensure data quality.
• Stay updated with advances in data science and AI research.
• Contribute to best practices for data analysis and model deployment.

Skills

Python

R

pandas

NumPy

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

Data visualization

strong communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, CS, Mathematics, or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Tableau

Matplotlib/Seaborn

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a forward-thinking analytics company dedicated to harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence to drive business insights and innovation. We are seeking a talented Data Scientist with a strong specialization in AI to join our remote team. This role offers the exciting opportunity to work on challenging projects, develop predictive models, and implement advanced AI algorithms that solve real-world business problems. You will have the autonomy to work from anywhere within **South Africa**, with a primary focus on the **George, Western Cape, ZA** region as a talent hub. As part of our collaborative remote-first culture, you will engage with data engineers, business analysts, and stakeholders to deliver actionable insights. If you possess a blend of statistical expertise, programming skills, and a passion for AI, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights relevant to business objectives.
• Develop, train, and deploy machine learning and deep learning models for tasks such as prediction, classification, and clustering.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Utilize statistical techniques and AI algorithms to build predictive and prescriptive models.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through visualizations and reports.
• Collaborate with data engineers to build robust data pipelines and ensure data quality.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI research.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for data analysis and model deployment.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience as a Data Scientist with a strong focus on AI/ML applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and libraries like pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and deep learning concepts.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts simply.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with SQL and working with relational databases.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Flexible work hours and a fully remote work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and conference attendance.
• A stimulating and collaborative team culture focused on innovation.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
• Generous annual leave allowance.