Data Scientist Entry Level (Contract)

The Focus Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data consultancy is seeking a Junior Data Scientist to join their team in Sandton, Gauteng. In this role, you will develop statistical models and machine learning algorithms, collaborate with teams to drive data-driven decisions, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. A Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required, along with skills in Python, R, and experience with big data technologies like Hadoop and Spark.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Cloud Platforms like AWS or Azure.
• Certifications in Data Science are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype statistical models and machine learning algorithms.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis (EDA) and feature engineering.
• Collaborate with BI teams and analysts to present actionable insights.
• Deploy, monitor, and maintain ML models in production.

Skills

Python

R

MATLAB

Hadoop

Spark

Hive

Data Wrangling & Visualization

Statistical Modeling & Predictive Analytics

Git

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

Tools

Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a curious, analytical, and collaborative Junior Data Scientist to join their growing data team. You’ll work on building models, uncovering insights, and helping drive data-driven decisions across the organization

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype statistical models and machine learning algorithms
• Conduct exploratory data analysis (EDA) and feature engineering
• Collaborate with BI teams and analysts to present actionable insights
• Deploy, monitor, and maintain ML models in production
• Stay updated on emerging tools and techniques under senior mentorship
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven thinking
• Contribute to a collaborative and innovative team environment

Required Skills & Tools

• Programming: Python, R, MATLAB
• Big Data: Hadoop, Spark, Hive
• Data Wrangling & Visualization
• Statistical Modeling & Predictive Analytics
• Version Control: Git (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, etc.)
• Master’s or PhD is a plus
• Certifications in Data Science (Coursera, SAS, etc.)
• Familiarity with Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure)
• Exposure to DevOps or Data Engineering practices

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
• Agility and openness to innovation
• Passion for continuous learning
• Team-oriented and collaborative mindset