Principal Data Scientist - Machine Learning

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead ML initiatives and drive data-driven decisions across the business. You will mentor a team of data scientists and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field, 8+ years in data science, and deep expertise in ML algorithms, statistical modeling, and cloud platforms (Python/R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS/GCP/Azure).

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field is required.
• 8+ years of data science and ML experience with impact.
• Deep knowledge of ML algorithms (DL, RF, SVM, clustering).
• Proficient in Python or R and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ML model development and deployment for business apps.
• Design data mining strategies and robust data pipelines.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify insights.
• Mentor junior data scientists and promote best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into DS solutions.
• Evaluate new algorithms and technologies and present results.
• Ensure scalability and reliability of deployed models.
• Contribute to strategic data science vision.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Education

PhD or Master's in CS/Statistics/Math

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology solutions provider located in the vibrant hub of Randburg, Gauteng , is seeking an accomplished Principal Data Scientist with expertise in Machine Learning. This pivotal role involves leading complex data science projects, developing advanced predictive models, and driving data-informed decision-making across the organization. You will mentor a team of talented data scientists and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. This is an outstanding opportunity to leverage vast datasets and cutting-edge ML techniques to solve critical business challenges and shape the future of data science within a dynamic company. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep theoretical understanding and practical experience in machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and big data technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and deployment of machine learning models for various business applications, including predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and optimization.
• Design and implement data mining strategies and build robust data pipelines.
• Conduct in-depth exploratory data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering technical excellence and best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders from different departments to understand business needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Evaluate and implement new machine learning algorithms and technologies.
• Present complex findings and model results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, and efficiency of deployed models.
• Contribute to the strategic vision for data science within the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in data science and machine learning, with a proven track record of delivering impactful solutions.
• Extensive experience with various machine learning algorithms (e.g., deep learning, random forests, SVMs, clustering).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and associated ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Strong experience with SQL, big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and hypothesis testing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.
• Proven leadership and team mentorship capabilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with the seniority and impact of this role, along with substantial performance bonuses. A comprehensive benefits package includes leading medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and extensive paid time off. We are committed to continuous learning, providing ample opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and advanced training programs. Join a forward-thinking team in a stimulating environment equipped with state-of-the-art technology and data infrastructure.