Data Scientist - Machine Learning Specialization

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Data Scientist specializing in machine learning to join a dynamic, data-driven team in Port Elizabeth. You will analyze complex datasets, build predictive models, and translate insights into actionable business decisions.

The role blends in-office collaboration with remote work in a hybrid setup. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of ML experience, strong programming skills in Python or R, and a solid foundation in statistics.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related quantitative field.
• 3+ years of proven experience as a Data Scientist with a strong focus on machine learning.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy.
• Solid understanding of statistical concepts and ML algorithms.
• Experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large datasets from various sources.
• Develop, train, and evaluate ML models for prediction, classification, clustering.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify trends and insights.
• Design and run statistical tests and experiments to validate hypotheses.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to define data science solutions.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and maintain data models and analytical tools.
• Stay current with advancements in data science and ML.
• Contribute to data governance best practices.
• Automate data analysis and reporting processes where possible.

Skills

Python

ML

SQL

Visualization

Pandas

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Education

Master's or PhD in Statistics/Math/CS/Data Science

Tools

Spark

Tableau

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and data-driven organization, is looking for a talented Data Scientist with a strong specialization in Machine Learning to join their growing team. This position is based in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape**, and offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be responsible for analyzing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and deriving actionable insights to drive strategic business decisions. This role is ideal for an individual with a passion for uncovering patterns, building robust ML solutions, and communicating findings effectively. You will work on challenging projects that span various business domains, contributing directly to the company's success. We seek a candidate who is not only adept at statistical modeling and machine learning techniques but also possesses strong programming skills and a keen understanding of business problems. Your analytical prowess will be key to identifying opportunities and solving critical business challenges through data.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large and complex datasets from various sources.
• Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models for tasks such as prediction, classification, and clustering.
• Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Design and implement statistical tests and experiments to validate hypotheses.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand challenges and define data science solutions.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and maintain data models and analytical tools.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of data governance best practices.
• Automate data analysis and reporting processes where possible.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience (3+ years) as a Data Scientist with a strong focus on machine learning applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Solid understanding of statistical concepts and machine learning algorithms.
• Experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark) is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
• Employees benefit from a retirement savings plan and generous paid time off.
• Join our client in **Port Elizabeth** and contribute to impactful projects while growing your career in a supportive and innovative environment.
• We value our employees and are committed to fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.