Lead Data Scientist - Algorithmic Trading

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 3,046,000 - 5,415,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-friendly environment

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Stock options

Health, dental, vision insurance

Learning allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to spearhead algorithmic trading initiatives in a fully remote, high-impact role. You will design, develop, and deploy advanced ML models and data-driven strategies, leading a team of data scientists and collaborating with quants and software engineers to build scalable trading systems.

The role requires deep financial market knowledge, strong statistical modeling, and experience with big data and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Ph.D./Master’s in a quantitative field.
• 7+ years in data science with algo-trading focus.
• Experience leading DS teams and projects.
• Proficiency in ML techniques (DL, RL, time series).

Responsibilities

• Lead ML model development for algorithmic trading strategies.
• Design experiments to validate new trading algorithms.
• Analyze large datasets for predictive signals and patterns.
• Build robust data pipelines for real-time trading.
• Mentor a team of data scientists and collaborate with quants/engineers.
• Integrate models into production trading systems.
• Stay updated with ML and quantitative finance advances.
• Monitor model performance and optimize for profitability.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders clearly.

Skills

Leadership

Machine learning

Time series analysis

Python (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-le

C++

Big data

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)

Communication

Remote team management

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in CS/Statistics/Math or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Lead Data Scientist to spearhead our algorithmic trading initiatives. This is a fully remote, high-impact position where you will design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge machine learning models and data-driven strategies for our global trading operations. You will lead a team of talented data scientists and collaborate closely with quantitative researchers and software engineers to build robust, scalable, and performant trading systems. This role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, advanced statistical modeling, and expertise in leveraging large-scale datasets. You will be at the forefront of innovation, driving alpha generation through sophisticated data analysis and predictive modeling. This remote role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to a world-class trading environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of machine learning models for algorithmic trading strategies.
• Design and conduct experiments to test and validate new trading algorithms.
• Analyze vast datasets to identify predictive signals and market patterns.
• Develop robust data pipelines and infrastructure to support real-time trading.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Collaborate with quants and engineers to integrate models into production trading systems.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and quantitative finance.
• Monitor model performance and implement optimizations for improved accuracy and profitability.
• Communicate complex findings and strategies effectively to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on algorithmic trading or quantitative finance.
• Proven experience in leading data science teams and projects.
• Expertise in machine learning techniques (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, time series analysis).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (with libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) and C++.
• Strong understanding of financial markets and trading strategies.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and deliver results in a remote setting.

Benefits

• As a fully remote position, this role offers unparalleled flexibility.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, significant performance bonuses, and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are included.
• We support continuous learning with generous allowances for conferences, courses, and professional development.
• You will have access to world-class data and computing resources.
• The company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, even in a remote setup.