Data Scientist (Intermediate)

Discovery Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Health is seeking an experienced Data Scientist (Intermediate) to leverage vast clinical, demographic and operational data. You will work within a growing team to optimize client services across Discovery’s client schemes, contributing to data-driven insights and improvements.

The successful candidate will mine data, apply advanced ML techniques, and communicate findings clearly. Collaboration, curiosity, and a passion for healthcare analytics are essential.

Qualifications

• Honours or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics or Applied Mathematics with some software experience.
• Honours or Master’s in CS/Software Engineering with ML experience.
• 2-3 years’ work experience in a data science position.

Responsibilities

• Connect with stakeholders to understand healthcare data context.
• Mine large structured and unstructured datasets for insights.
• Research and apply up-to-date ML algorithms and AI techniques.
• Present findings in actionable ways for internal/external use.
• Implement results in internal and external environments.
• Improve processes and databases where opportunities arise.

Skills

R

Python

Scala

SQL

Data storytelling

Big Data

Machine learning

Communication

Git

Team collaboration

Education

Honours/Master’s in Data Science/Statistics/Applied Mathematics

Honours/Master’s in Computer Science/Software Engineering

Other analytical qualifications with relevant experience

Tools

Hadoop

MapReduce

Spark

Job description

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Data Scientist (Intermediate)

Business Unit: Discovery Health

Function: Data Sciences

Date: 8 Oct 2026

Key Purpose

In this role you will be involved in creating opportunities that delight our customers by leveraging Discovery’s vast clinical, demographic, and operational data. The successful applicant will be working within a highly specialized and growing team investigating ways to optimize and improve client services for Discovery’s client schemes. The successful candidate must be motivated, productive and work well within a team.

Areas of Responsibility

• Connecting with a multitude of stakeholders to understand the data in a healthcare context
• Mining large structured and unstructured datasets to find new insights to inform healthcare efficiency and interaction strategies
• Research and application of the most up to date machine learning algorithms and AI techniques
• Present data and model findings in a way that provides actionable insights
• Implementing results for use in both the internal and external environments
• Improve processes and databases where opportunities arise

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Expert in data science programming languages such as R, Python, Scala
• Expert in data manipulation skills including SQL to extract, transform and load data
• Experience in interactive data exploration and data-driven story telling
• Understanding and application of Big Data and distributed computing principles (Hadoop and MapReduce)
• Hands on experience with Big Data systems will be preferred
• Strong analytical and statistical knowledge with an understanding of the latest machine learning algorithms for both structured and unstructured data
• Ability to formulate problem statements and develop a plan for tackling the problem
• Strong ability to communicate findings and recommendations from data (visual, verbal and written)
• Production environment machine learning and AI
• A passion for data exploration and complex healthcare environment
• Willingness to learn and grow exponentially
• A restless curiosity towards data and uncovering unknown correlations
• Ability to work cohesively in a team environment and balance multiple priorities
• A team player who can work alone when required and without supervision
• High level of attention to detail, resilience, enthusiasm, energy and drive
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and tools
• Proficiency in version control systems such as Git for collaborative coding and maintaining code integrity
• Ethical and able to maintain confidentiality and manage boundaries
• Aligned to Discovery values and core purpose

Education and Experience

• Honours or Master’s degree in either Data Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics with some experience in software engineering, computer science or working with big disparate sets of data, OR
• Honours or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering with solid experience in statistical modelling, data mining and machine learning
• Other analytical qualifications will also be considered if accompanied by the relevant experience
• A minimum of 2-3 years’ work experience in a data science position

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.