Data Scientist (Generative AI & ML)

Calibrate People; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Calibrate People in Sandton, Johannesburg, SA, is seeking a Data Scientist with deep GenAI/ML expertise to design, build, and deploy AI-powered applications at scale. You will work across backend and frontend layers, and implement MLOps to support reliable deployments.

The role requires strong knowledge of embeddings, vector search, NLP, and Python, with collaboration across Product, Engineering, and Business teams to deliver tangible business value.

Qualifications

• Experience designing GenAI applications in a business setting.
• Strong embedding models and vector search understanding.
• Proficient Python for data science and backend development.
• MLOps experience and deployment pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy GenAI applications using Azure OpenAI, LangChain, and LangFuse.
• Build end-to-end AI solutions from backend services to user interfaces.
• Use vector databases (Weaviate) to manage embeddings and retrieval.
• Implement scalable MLOps pipelines for training, testing, and deployment.
• Develop and optimize retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and NLP solutions.
• Apply traditional ML models to business problems and predictions.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Business teams to align AI with goals.
• Monitor and continuously improve model and system performance.
• Stay updated on GenAI developments and apply them where relevant.

Skills

GenAI/ML systems

Embedding models

Vector search

NLP fundamentals

MLOps

Azure Cloud

Python

Full-stack AI apps

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in quantitative field

Tools

Azure OpenAI Service

LangChain

LangFuse

Weaviate

Job description

About the job Data Scientist (Generative AI & ML)

Data Scientist (Generative AI and Machine Learning Maestro!)

Location:Sandton, Johannesburg, SA Hybrid |Salary: Competitive (because you are worth it!)

Sector: Financial Services Consulting (Banking-heavy)

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

We are partnering with a leading management consulting firm thats at the forefront of AI innovation in financial services. Theyre looking for a Data Scientist with deep expertise in Generative AI and Machine Learning to help design, build, and scale cutting-edge AI-powered applications.

This role is ideal for someone with solid experience in full-stack AI solution development combining backend systems, frontend interfaces, and MLOps best practices and whos passionate about deploying real-world solutions that deliver tangible business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy GenAI applications using tools like Azure OpenAI, LangChain, and LangFuse


• Build and manage end-to-end AI solutions from backend services to user-facing interfaces


• Use vector databases (e.g., Weaviate) to manage and retrieve text/data embeddings


• Implement MLOps pipelines to support scalable model training, testing, and deployment


• Develop and optimize retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and other NLP solutions


• Apply traditional and advanced ML models to address business problems and predict outcomes


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Business) to align AI solutions with strategic goals


• Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve model and system performance


• Stay up to date with advancements in the AI/ML space, particularly GenAI

Key Requirements

• Solid understanding of embedding models, vector search, and NLP fundamentals


• Practical knowledge of MLOps tools and deployment pipelines


• Familiar with traditional ML algorithms and predictive modeling


• Cloud experience, especially with Microsoft Azure


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Able to communicate technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences


• Proficient in Python for data science and backend development


• Experience building and deploying full-stack AI applications

Hands-on with:

Azure OpenAI Service | LangChain / LangFuse and Vector databases (Weaviate or similar)

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree (or higher) in a quantitative field: Mathematics, Stats, Computer Science, Engineering, Actuarial Science, or similar


• Proven experience in designing and deploying GenAI applications in a business setting

Why This Role?

You'll work with a forward-thinking team at the intersection of finance and emerging AI technology, shaping the future of intelligent banking solutions. It's a great opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while continuing to grow your technical expertise!

Ready to explore this role?