Lead Data Scientist - R&D Analytics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Dynamic work environment

Powerful computing resources

Flexible work arrangements

Impact on R&D strategy

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead Data Scientist to direct R&D Analytics in Pretoria. The role involves developing advanced ML models, building data infrastructure, and guiding a team of data scientists.

You will collaborate with researchers and engineers to translate analytical needs into robust solutions and present findings to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience leading projects and teams.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, ML techniques, and experimental design.
• Experience with large, complex datasets (structured and unstructured).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a passion for applying data science to scientific challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy advanced ML models to predict research outcomes and optimize designs.
• Lead data infrastructure and pipelines for research data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists; foster innovation and collaboration.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to translate needs into data science solutions.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership in Pretoria.
• Ensure quality, integrity, and reproducibility of analyses and models.

Skills

Python

R

Machine learning

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced and innovative Lead Data Scientist to direct their R&D Analytics initiatives in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy advanced machine learning models and algorithms to predict research outcomes, optimize experimental designs, and identify novel scientific trends.
• Lead the design and implementation of data infrastructure and pipelines for research data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to understand their analytical needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership in Pretoria .
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and reproducibility of all data science analyses and models.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science , Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data science or advanced analytics, with demonstrated experience leading projects and teams.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning techniques, and experimental design.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets, including structured and unstructured data.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with a passion for applying data science to scientific challenges in Pretoria .

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and performance bonuses.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and scientific advancement.
• Access to powerful computing resources and cutting-edge data analytics tools.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• The chance to make a significant impact on R&D strategy and outcomes.