Data Scientist - Predictive Modeling

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Paid time off

Remote work flexibility

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Data Scientist to lead predictive modeling and analytics initiatives. You will work with large, complex datasets, deploying models that inform business decisions and forecast trends.

The role blends remote work with frequent interaction with the Port Elizabeth operations. Ideal candidates have advanced degrees in quantitative fields and strong Python or R skills, plus experience in data pipelines and production deployment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying predictive models in a business context.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R, including libraries like scikit-learn, pandas, TensorFlow, Keras.
• Solid understanding of statistical modelling, ML algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with SQL and relational databases.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, especially for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate predictive models using ML and statistics.
• Clean, transform, and analyze large datasets from various sources.
• Identify drivers and patterns to inform forecasting and strategy.
• Translate business requirements into DS problems and solutions.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Remote collaboration

Independent work

Education

Master's or PhD in Statistics/Mathematics/CS/Economics

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in data-driven business intelligence, is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to focus on predictive modeling. This role, based remotely but with project teams interacting frequently with operations in Port Elizabeth , is essential for building sophisticated models that drive key business decisions. You will work with large, complex datasets, applying advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to uncover insights and forecast future trends. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, expertise in programming languages commonly used in data science, and a passion for solving challenging problems. You will be part of an innovative team that is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of predictive analytics. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to critical projects and grow your career in a supportive, remote-first environment while maintaining strong connections to our Port Elizabeth hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and evaluate predictive models using machine learning algorithms and statistical techniques.
• Clean, transform, and analyze large and complex datasets from various sources.
• Identify key drivers and patterns within data to inform business strategy and forecasting.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into data science problems.
• Communicate findings and insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Design and implement A/B tests and other experiments to validate model performance.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
• Contribute to the development of data pipelines and the deployment of models into production.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying predictive models in a business context.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, TensorFlow, Keras).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with SQL and working with relational databases.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, particularly for remote interactions.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting, aligning with our Port Elizabeth operational rhythm.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous paid time off.
• As a remote employee, you benefit from flexibility in your work arrangements.
• We provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including access to online courses, workshops, and industry conferences.
• The company culture promotes innovation, collaboration, and a healthy work-life balance.
• You'll have the chance to work on impactful projects that directly influence business outcomes and contribute to the exciting field of predictive analytics, with a supportive connection to our Port Elizabeth team.