Lead Data Scientist - AI and Machine Learning Research

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Remote stipend

Health coverage

Dev budget

AI research team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Data Scientist to drive AI/ML research from ideation to deployment. This fully remote role leads a team of data scientists, shaping research strategies and collaborating with engineers to translate cutting-edge algorithms into high-impact solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D./Master’s in a quantitative field with 8+ years in data science, and deep expertise in ML/DL models, Python/R, and Spark.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative field with AI/ML specialization.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in data science and machine learning, including research and development.
• Proven track record leading AI/ML projects from conception to deployment.
• Deep expertise across supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning models (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Proficiency in Python, R, and libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn.
• Experience with big data tech and distributed computing (Spark).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and translating business needs into data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, design, and implementation of advanced ML and DL models.
• Develop novel algorithms to solve complex problems in predictive modeling, NLP, and computer vision.
• Manage and mentor a team of Data Scientists for an innovative research environment.
• Define research roadmaps and align projects with business objectives.
• Collaborate with software engineers to deploy AI/ML solutions at scale.
• Evaluate and benchmark ML model performance across architectures.
• Stay at AI/ML research frontier, identifying trends and technologies for adoption.
• Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

ML Research Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in AI/ML

Master's in CS/Math/Statistics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Keras

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Data Scientist to drive innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Research . This position, fully remote , requires an expert to lead the development and application of advanced AI/ML models for complex data challenges. You will guide a team of data scientists, shape research strategies, and collaborate with engineers to translate cutting-edge algorithms into practical, high-impact solutions. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to pioneer new frontiers in AI and make a significant technological impact from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, design, and implementation of advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning models.
• Develop novel algorithms and techniques to solve complex problems in areas such as predictive modeling, natural language processing, and computer vision.
• Manage and mentor a team of Data Scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Define research roadmaps and prioritize projects to align with strategic business objectives.
• Work closely with software engineers to deploy and scale AI/ML solutions into production environments.
• Evaluate and benchmark the performance of various ML models and algorithms.
• Stay at the forefront of AI/ML research, identifying emerging trends and technologies for potential adoption.
• Communicate complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field with a specialization in AI/ML.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in data science and machine learning, with significant experience in research and development.
• Proven track record of leading AI/ML projects from conception to deployment.
• Deep expertise in various ML algorithms, including supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning architectures (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and associated libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with big data technologies and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to translate business needs into data science solutions.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and stock options.
• Fully remote work setup with a generous home office stipend.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and training.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking AI research with a talented, distributed team.