Lead Data Scientist - AI Research

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development budget

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to head AI research initiatives from our Tembisa base. You will define research agendas, guide a team of data scientists, and develop next-generation AI models for diverse applications.

The role requires strong ML theory and practice, with a track record of leadership. You will translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies while collaborating with R&D teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, AI, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional data science experience with a focus on AI research and development.
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams and research projects.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn.
• Strong knowledge of ML algorithms including deep neural networks, NLP, and computer vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of advanced ML/DL models.
• Define research strategies and roadmaps for AI projects.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists.
• Run rigorous experiments to evaluate model performance and robustness.
• Collaborate with engineering to deploy models to production and monitor performance.
• Stay updated with AI advancements and introduce new techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Machine Learning

NLP

Computer Vision

Python

R

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Keras

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their Artificial Intelligence research initiatives in Tembisa. This leadership role will involve defining research agendas, guiding a team of talented data scientists, and developing next-generation AI models for diverse applications. You will be instrumental in exploring novel algorithms, evaluating cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring the translation of complex data insights into actionable business strategies. The ideal candidate thrives in a challenging, fast-paced R&D environment, possesses a deep understanding of machine learning theory and practice, and is passionate about driving technological innovation from their base in Tembisa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning and deep learning models.
• Define research strategies and roadmaps for AI projects, aligning with business objectives and market opportunities.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Conduct rigorous experiments to evaluate model performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure robustness.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy AI models into production environments and monitor their performance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, introducing new techniques and tools to the team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in data science, with a significant focus on AI research and development.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing technical teams and research projects.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong understanding of various ML algorithms, including deep neural networks, NLP, and computer vision.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with substantial performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Generous budget for professional development, conferences, and further education.
• Opportunity to work on challenging, impactful AI research projects in Tembisa .
• A culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.