Data Scientist (Intermediate)

Discovery Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Health is seeking a Data Scientist (Intermediate) to leverage vast clinical, demographic, and operational data for improving client services. You will work with a growing team, connect with stakeholders, and apply ML algorithms to derive actionable insights for healthcare efficiency.

The role requires honours or master’s in data science, statistics, or related fields, plus 2–3 years of data science experience, with strong Python/R/SQL skills and experience with big data tools.

Qualifications

• Honours or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics.
• Honours or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering with ML/Statistics experience.
• 2–3 years’ work experience in a data science position.
• Additional analytical qualifications considered with relevant experience.

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 data and model findings as actionable insights.
• Implement results for internal and external environments.
• Improve processes and databases where opportunities arise.

Skills

Python

R

Scala

SQL

Data storytelling

Hadoop

MapReduce

Git

Statistics

Machine learning

Big Data

Education

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

Honours/Master’s in Computer Science/Software Engineering with ML/Stats

2–3 years’ data science work experience

Tools

Git

SQL tooling

Job description

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Data Scientist (Intermediate)

Business Unit: Discovery Health

Function: Data Sciences

Date: 7 Sept 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 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

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.