Principal Data Scientist - AI/ML

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Comprehensive health, dental, vision

Equity options

Professional development stipend

Home office setup

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to lead AI/ML initiatives within a fully remote team. You will develop and deploy sophisticated models, tackle complex data challenges, and influence product direction across global projects.

The role focuses on building scalable ML solutions, mentoring senior and junior data scientists, and driving data-driven decision making for strategic outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in data science, with a strong focus on AI and Machine Learning.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying production-level ML models.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced machine learning models and AI algorithms for predictive analytics and decision support.
• Lead end-to-end data science projects, from problem definition and data exploration to model implementation and validation.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and hypothesis testing on large, complex datasets.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into production systems and ensure scalability.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth and best practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, ML, and data science, and champion their adoption where appropriate.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Data Scientist with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to join their innovative and fully remote team. In this critical role, you will lead the development and deployment of sophisticated AI/ML models that drive strategic business decisions and create new product functionalities. You will tackle complex, ambiguous problems, leverage vast datasets, and push the boundaries of what's possible with data science. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging projects, influence technological direction, and collaborate with a talented group of data professionals and engineers from anywhere in the world, contributing to the company's advanced technological initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced machine learning models and AI algorithms for predictive analytics and decision support.
• Lead end-to-end data science projects, from problem definition and data exploration to model implementation and validation.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and hypothesis testing on large, complex datasets.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into production systems and ensure scalability.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth and best practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, ML, and data science, and champion their adoption where appropriate.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in data science, with a strong focus on AI and Machine Learning.
• Deep expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Proven experience in developing and deploying production-level ML models.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous remote work stipend for home office setup and internet.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and learning.
• Collaborative and innovative remote work culture.