Data Scientist (Intermediate)

JobCubby; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery seeks a data scientist to develop insights from vast clinical and operational datasets. You will collaborate with stakeholders to understand healthcare data, apply advanced ML methods, and present findings with actionable recommendations.

The role involves deploying models for internal and client-facing use, monitoring performance, and continuously improving data processes in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Honours or Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics with relevant software/Big Data experience.
• Honours or Master’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering with ML modelling and data mining experience.
• Minimum 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 new insights.
• Research and apply modern ML and AI techniques.
• Present data findings with actionable insights.
• Implement results in internal and external environments.
• Monitor model performance.
• Improve processes and databases as opportunities arise.

Skills

R

Python

Scala

SQL

Data storytelling

Hadoop

MapReduce

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Production ML

Git

Data ethics

Education

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

Honours/Master’s in Computer Science/Software Engineering

2–3 years data science experience

Tools

Git

Job description

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 may include but not limited to

• 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
• Monitoring model performance
• 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
• Self-starter
• 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
• Positive, can-do attitude
• 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.