Lead Data Scientist (AI/ML Focus) - Fully Remote

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Stock options and retirement savings

Budget for professional development,

Fully remote with flexible hours

Opportunities to work on impactful AI/

Collaborative and supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Data Scientist for a fully remote role with a cutting-edge AI/ML solutions provider. You will guide development and deployment of advanced models, mentor a team, and drive data-driven decision-making across the organization.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in data science, a strong background in AI/ML, and expertise with Python/R, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and cloud platforms. Excellent leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years in Data Science with emphasis on AI/ML model development and deployment.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong understanding of ML algorithms (supervised, unsupervised, deep learning) and experimental design.
• Experience with big data tech (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and deployment of advanced AI/ML models.
• Design and execute data science projects with clear methodologies and objectives.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into data solutions.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines ensuring data quality and accessibility.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science/Statistics/Mathematics

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning solutions provider, is seeking an exceptional Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their advanced analytics initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact from anywhere. You will be responsible for guiding the development and deployment of sophisticated AI/ML models, driving data-driven decision-making across the organization, and mentoring a talented team of data scientists. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and big data technologies, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. If you are passionate about leveraging data to solve complex business problems and thrive in a collaborative, remote-first environment, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and implementation of advanced AI and Machine Learning models, from data exploration to production deployment.
• Design and execute data science projects, defining methodologies, setting objectives, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across various departments to understand business needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines, ensuring data quality, integrity, and accessibility.
• Conduct in-depth statistical analysis, identify key trends, and provide actionable insights to inform business strategy.
• Evaluate and select appropriate algorithms and tools for various data science tasks.
• Present complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay at the forefront of AI/ML research and industry best practices, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Significant experience (7+ years) in Data Science, with a strong focus on AI/ML model development and deployment.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (supervised, unsupervised, deep learning), and experimental design.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a passion for data-driven insights.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure reflective of senior leadership.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous stock options and retirement savings plan.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and training.
• A fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Opportunities to work on impactful, state-of-the‑art AI/ML projects.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture focused on innovation.