Principal Data Scientist - AI/ML

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Health & wellness benefits

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics and AI projects in Randburg, driving model development and deployment while mentoring a team of data scientists and engineers. The role collaborates with product managers and software engineers to shape project scope and deliverables.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in a quantitative field with ML/AI specialization, 10+ years in data science, and expert Python/R with TensorFlow/PyTorch.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in a quantitative field with ML/AI specialization.
• 10+ years of hands-on data science experience.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms (DL, NLP, RL) and practical applications.
• Experience with big data (Spark/Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication abilities and project leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of ML models and AI algorithms.
• Architect scalable data science solutions and pipelines for large-scale data.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists and engineers.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define scope and deliverables.
• Conduct rigorous experimentation, validation, and performance monitoring of models.
• Stay updated with AI/ML research and trends, applying them where beneficial.
• Communicate complex concepts to senior management and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for AI/ML initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in CS/Statistics/Math/Physics with ML/AI specialization

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing technology firm specializing in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Data Scientist to lead critical projects at their Randburg, Gauteng, ZA office. This senior role is responsible for spearheading the development and deployment of sophisticated machine learning models and AI-driven products that solve complex business challenges. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding of AI/ML and extensive practical experience in applying these techniques to real-world problems. You will be a key technical leader, mentoring junior scientists and influencing the company's strategic direction in data science. This is an on-site position, fostering close collaboration and innovation within a dedicated team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge machine learning models and AI algorithms.


• Architect scalable data science solutions and pipelines for large-scale datasets.


• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.


• Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and business stakeholders to define project scope and deliverables.


• Conduct rigorous experimentation, validation, and performance monitoring of AI/ML models.


• Stay abreast of the latest research and trends in artificial intelligence and machine learning.


• Communicate complex technical concepts and findings to diverse audiences, including senior management.


• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for AI/ML initiatives within the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field with a specialization in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence.


• 10+ years of hands-on experience in data science and machine learning, with a proven track record of delivering impactful AI solutions.


• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).


• Deep understanding of various ML algorithms (deep learning, NLP, reinforcement learning, etc.) and their practical applications.


• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Exceptional leadership and communication abilities.


• Experience in managing complex data science projects.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant equity participation, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.


• You will be working with a talented and passionate team on challenging problems that shape the future of AI and technology.


• The office in Randburg, Gauteng, ZA provides a modern and collaborative work environment.