Lead Data Scientist - AI & Machine Learning

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High salary

Significant bonus potential

Equity options

Top-tier health insurance

Paid time off

Home office setup allowance

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics and AI initiatives. You will lead the design, deployment, and scaling of ML models while mentoring a remote team and aligning data science strategy with product goals.

You will shape data pipelines, collaborate with engineering and product, and stay at the forefront of AI research. This role is remote with international collaboration opportunities and a strong emphasis on innovation and growth.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7–10 years of Data Science and ML experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Experience developing and deploying ML models in production (e.g., recommender systems, predictive modeling, NLP, computer vision).
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong experience with big data tech (Spark, Hadoop).
• Cloud experience for ML workloads (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and remote team management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models and AI solutions.
• Define data science strategy and roadmap aligned with product vision.
• Mentor and manage a remote team of data scientists with code reviews and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and business teams to leverage data science opportunities.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines for training, validation, and production deployment.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover insights and guide model development.
• Evaluate and select algorithms and tools for various data science problems.
• Stay updated with AI/ML research and advancements and translate findings for stakeholders.
• Ensure ethical and responsible AI development and deployment.
• Optimize model performance and efficiency for large-scale applications.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Remote leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field

Tools

Python or R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS/Azure/GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning innovation, is seeking an exceptional Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their advanced analytics initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact projects from anywhere. The Lead Data Scientist will be instrumental in developing and deploying cutting‑edge ML models, driving data‑driven decision‑making, and guiding a team of talented data scientists. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and big data technologies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering successful AI/ML solutions and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible with data. We are looking for an individual who can mentor, inspire, and lead a remote team to achieve ambitious goals. Join a company that is shaping the future of AI and offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation and professional growth in a remote‑first setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and deployment of advanced machine learning models and AI solutions.
• Define data science strategy and roadmap in alignment with company objectives and product vision.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, providing technical guidance, code reviews, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and business teams to identify opportunities for leveraging data science and AI.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines for training, validation, and production deployment of models.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover insights and inform model development.
• Evaluate and select appropriate algorithms and tools for various data science problems.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in AI, ML, and related fields.
• Communicate complex technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI systems.
• Optimize model performance and efficiency for large-scale applications.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in Data Science and Machine Learning, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying ML models in production environments (e.g., recommendation systems, predictive modeling, NLP, computer vision).
• Expertise in Python or R, and proficiency with relevant ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for ML workloads.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, especially for managing a remote team.
• Ability to translate business problems into data science solutions.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential, and substantial equity options for this Lead Data Scientist position.
• As a fully remote role, benefits include top‑tier health insurance, generous paid time off, a home office setup allowance, and a dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences and advanced training.
• Employees will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking AI/ML projects, lead a high‑performing remote team, and contribute to a company that is a leader in its field.
• We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, valuing employee well‑being and professional growth.
• This is a career‑defining opportunity for a seasoned data science leader in the exciting field of artificial intelligence.
• Join us and help shape the future of technology.