Lead Data Scientist (Machine Learning Focus)

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Lead Data Scientist with a specialization in machine learning to drive data-driven innovation. This fully remote role lets you lead a team of data scientists and analysts, guiding the development and deployment of advanced models that solve business problems.

You will mentor colleagues, collaborate across departments, and ensure ethical AI usage while delivering measurable impact.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field and strong ML background.
• Leadership experience of data science teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and deployment of ML models.
• Oversee end-to-end data science lifecycle.
• Mentor data scientists and analysts.
• Collaborate with departments to translate business opportunities into ML problems.
• Ensure data quality and governance.
• Present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Machine Learning

Team Leadership

Python

R

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

NumPy

SQL

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a visionary Lead Data Scientist with a specialization in Machine Learning to drive data-driven innovation. This fully remote position allows you to work from anywhere, contributing your expertise to a forward-thinking company. You will lead a team of data scientists and analysts, guiding the development and deployment of sophisticated machine learning models that solve complex business problems. This role requires a deep understanding of statistical modeling, algorithms, and data mining techniques, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. If you are passionate about leveraging data to uncover insights and build intelligent systems, this remote opportunity is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning models and algorithms.
• Oversee the entire data science project lifecycle, from data collection and preprocessing to model deployment and monitoring.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across various departments to identify business opportunities and translate them into data science problems.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis to extract actionable insights and inform strategic decisions.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and ensure data quality and integrity.
• Research and implement new machine learning techniques and technologies.
• Present findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and AI models.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on machine learning.
• Proven experience leading data science teams and projects.
• Expertise in Python or R, and proficiency with libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, and NumPy.
• Strong understanding of various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Enjoy opportunities for professional growth, impactful projects, and the chance to lead a talented team. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, providing all employees with the resources they need to succeed.