Principal Data Scientist - AI/ML Applications

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Equity options

Health insurance

Competitive compensation

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Data Scientist for a fully remote role. You will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models, handling massive datasets and guiding AI initiatives across multiple domains.

You will mentor junior data scientists, collaborate with engineering and product teams, and drive innovation in a remote-first culture, emphasizing clear communication and business-driven data solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or related field with ML/AI specialization.
• 7–10 years of progressive Data Scientist experience with applied ML/AI development.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Keras.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of advanced ML models from data preprocessing to deployment.
• Explore new AI/ML opportunities to solve business problems and drive product innovation.
• Design and implement A/B tests and experiments to evaluate model performance and impact.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster best practices in data science.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated on AI/ML research and advancements.
• Contribute to the company’s data science strategy and roadmap.
• Drive adoption of advanced data science methodologies across the organization.
• Address data quality issues and model drift in production.

Skills

Python

R

Cloud platforms

Big data

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD or Master's in CS/Stats/Math/Physics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Keras

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology firm at the forefront of artificial intelligence and machine learning, is seeking an exceptional Principal Data Scientist. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to transformative AI projects. You will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning models to solve complex business challenges across various domains. This role involves working with massive datasets, pushing the boundaries of predictive analytics, and influencing the strategic direction of AI initiatives. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will mentor junior team members, collaborate with engineering and product teams, and drive innovation in a remote-first culture. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding of ML algorithms, extensive practical experience, and a strong aptitude for translating business needs into data-driven solutions. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for success in this distributed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of sophisticated machine learning models, from data preprocessing and feature engineering to model training, evaluation, and deployment.
• Identify and explore new opportunities to apply AI/ML techniques to solve critical business problems and drive product innovation.
• Design and implement A/B tests and other experimental frameworks to evaluate model performance and impact.
• Collaborate closely with software engineers to integrate ML models into production systems and ensure scalability and reliability.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, providing technical leadership and fostering best practices in data science.
• Communicate complex technical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and related fields.
• Contribute to the development of the company's data science strategy and roadmap.
• Drive the adoption of advanced data science methodologies and tools across the organization.
• Proactively identify and address data quality issues and model drift in production systems.

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 AI.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong emphasis on applied machine learning and AI development.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python or R, and associated ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Keras).
• Deep understanding of various machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven track record of successfully deploying ML models into production environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring team members.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely in **South Africa**.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life integration. Our client provides a top-tier compensation package including a substantial salary, significant performance bonuses, and equity options. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with a generous retirement savings plan and ample paid time off. Continuous professional development is strongly supported through access to online courses, virtual conferences, and specialized training. As a remote-first organization, we foster a strong sense of community and collaboration through regular virtual meetings, team events, and communication channels. This role offers the unique opportunity to drive innovation in AI from your preferred location, with significant scope for career growth and impact.