Data Scientist at NRF National Research Foundation

National Research Foundation; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Foundation is seeking a Data Scientist to support the uLwazi Node in Pretoria. The role involves developing data pipelines, leading data science projects, and contributing to decision-support tools. Ideal candidates hold a Master's degree and have significant experience in coding and geospatial analysis.

Qualifications

• Masters in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Informatics, or Engineering.
• 5-6 years relevant work experience.
• PhD (NQF 10) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Creation and validation of data products.
• Development of data pipelines and decision analysis platforms.
• Providing technical leadership in data science projects.

Skills

Geospatial data analysis

Coding

Machine learning

Statistics

Programming languages

Data visualization

Project management

Education

Masters Degree / NQF 9

Job description

Position Summary:
uLwazi (meaning ‘knowledge’) Node is one of the seven nodes of the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). The Node was established in 2018 to support data management and the development of information platforms and decision-support tools for government departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creation, validation, and sourcing of data products from both geographic and non-geographic data to support project objectives.
• Development of data pipelines through processing algorithms, creation, testing, and deployment of user-end tools for data access, and standalone user interfaces.
• Co-development of multi-criteria decision analysis platforms using various data types and mainstream libraries for decision support.
• Building production-quality data pipelines to add value to data streams and deploying these in standardized data services.
• Providing technical leadership in medium to large-scale data science projects.
• Co-developing project proposals.
• Creating training manuals and reports for developed products.
• Engaging in science and stakeholder engagement, and co-authoring scientific presentations.
• Contributing to SAEON uLwazi node publication and conference presentation efforts.
• Engaging with internal and external staff to ensure project delivery.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 5-6 years of relevant post-qualification work experience in coding, geospatial data analysis, and classification techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NQF 9 - Masters in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Informatics, or Engineering; PhD (NQF 10) is advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with spatial and multidimensional data technologies, data management skills, experience with relational databases, machine learning, statistics, and programming.
• Background in supervised and unsupervised classification techniques.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
• Skills in data visualization, communication, project management, data warehousing, data processing, machine learning concepts, and algorithms for developing models.

Additional Notes:

The position can be based at the SAEON National Office in Pretoria or uLwazi Node in Cape Town. The successful candidate will report to the Data Science Team Lead at the National Office. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply. More details are available on the NRF website. Interested applicants should submit a comprehensive CV via the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal, including a motivation letter and contact details of at least three referees.