Data Scientist - Insurance Analytics

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work flexibility

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development resources

Opportunities for rapid career growth

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a senior Data Scientist to spearhead advanced analytics for an insurance provider in a remote-first setup. The role focuses on extracting insights from large datasets to inform risk, fraud detection, and product development, while collaborating with stakeholders across the business.

A strong ML and statistical modeling background is essential. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s/PhD and 5+ years in data science, with proficiency in Python or R, SQL, and data visualization

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or related field.
• 5+ years as a Data Scientist with applied ML and statistical modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R with relevant libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with SQL and large databases.
• Data visualization experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy machine learning models for predictive analytics (customer churn, risk scoring, fraud detection).
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends and actionable insights for insurance business.
• Design and run A/B tests and experiments to evaluate strategies or product features.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business challenges into data science problems.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and ETL processes for model training and deployment.
• Clearly communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay updated with data science advancements and governance practices.
• Create visualizations and dashboards to present data insights.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Data visualization

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking insurance provider, is actively recruiting a highly skilled Data Scientist to spearhead their advanced analytics initiatives. This position is entirely remote, offering a unique opportunity to leverage cutting-edge data science techniques from the comfort of your home office. Based within the administrative capital of Pretoria, Gauteng , the role will involve extracting actionable insights from vast datasets to drive strategic decisions in areas such as risk assessment, fraud detection, customer segmentation, and product development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of statistical modeling, machine learning expertise, and programming proficiency, coupled with a passion for solving complex business problems within the insurance domain. This is a remote-first role, emphasizing seamless collaboration and communication through digital channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy machine learning models for predictive analytics, including customer churn, risk scoring, and fraud detection.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights relevant to the insurance business.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of new strategies or product features.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to understand their challenges and translate them into data science problems.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and ETL processes for model training and deployment.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI, and explore their application in the insurance sector.
• Contribute to the development of data governance policies and best practices.
• Create visualizations and dashboards to present data insights effectively.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on applied machine learning and statistical modeling.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with SQL and working with large databases.
• Demonstrated experience in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Solid understanding of insurance principles, products, and industry challenges is a significant plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, comfortable presenting to executive leadership.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Fully remote work flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and professional development resources.
• Opportunities for rapid career advancement in a growing field.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Contribution to a challenging and innovative data-driven culture.