Principal Data Scientist - Machine Learning

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Data Scientist in Kimberley to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models. You will work with large datasets, mentor junior scientists, and drive strategic data initiatives across the business.

The role requires a PhD or MSc, 7+ years in data science, and deep expertise in ML algorithms, Python or R, and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in a quantitative field.
• 7+ years of data science experience focused on ML.
• Expertise deploying ML algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ML model development from data exploration to deployment.
• Design experiments to evaluate and optimize model performance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into DS solutions.
• Mentor junior data scientists and guide technical growth.
• Stay updated on ML, AI advances and apply opportunities.
• Communicate insights clearly to technical and non-technical audiences in Kimberley.

Skills

ML algorithms

Leadership

Data science

Experiment design

Education

PhD or MSc in quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Data Scientist with a strong focus on Machine Learning to join their innovative team in Kimberley. This senior role will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning models to solve complex business challenges. You will work with large datasets, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior data scientists. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of ML algorithms, a proven ability to deliver impactful solutions, and a passion for leveraging data to drive business innovation within a growing enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of machine learning models, from data exploration and feature engineering to model deployment and monitoring.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate and optimize model performance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to understand business needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering their technical and professional growth.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in machine learning, AI, and data science, and identify opportunities for their application.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and model insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences in Kimberley.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in data science, with a significant focus on machine learning.
• Expertise in developing and deploying various ML algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a significant annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with significant opportunities for impact.