Principal Data Scientist - Machine Learning (Remote)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a global AI leader to hire a Principal Data Scientist specializing in ML. This remote-first role focuses on building scalable models for NLP, computer vision, and predictive analytics while mentoring junior scientists.

Required: Ph.D./Master’s in a quantitative field and 7+ years in data science, deep ML expertise, Python or R, production ML, cloud services, and leadership with remote-work experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's with strong ML focus.
• 7+ years in Data Science building prod ML models.
• Expertise in supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning, DL.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML frameworks.
• Strong statistical modeling, experimental design, and causal inference.
• Experience with Spark, Hadoop and cloud platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving and ability to work with ambiguity.
• Strong communication, leadership, and remote collaboration.
• Proven mentoring/leadership of technical teams.
• Remote work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy ML models for business problems.
• Lead end-to-end DS lifecycle: data, features, training, evaluation, deployment.
• Collaborate with engineering to productionize models.
• Perform rigorous statistical analysis and A/B testing.
• Analyze large datasets to identify ML opportunities.
• Mentor junior data scientists.
• Stay updated on ML and AI research.
• Communicate findings to technical and executive stakeholders.
• Contribute to internal DS tools.
• Identify new ML applications across the organization.

Skills

ML expertise

Data science

Python or R

TensorFlow PyTorch

Spark Hadoop

Cloud platforms

Statistical modeling

Mentoring

Remote work

Education

Ph.D./Master's in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, is seeking an exceptional Principal Data Scientist with a specialization in Machine Learning to join their elite remote-first team. This role is pivotal in driving innovation across a wide range of business applications, from predictive modeling and anomaly detection to natural language processing and computer vision. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will tackle complex, open-ended problems, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the strategic direction of our AI initiatives. You will leverage massive datasets to build, deploy, and scale sophisticated machine learning models. If you possess a deep theoretical understanding of ML, extensive practical experience, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible with data, this is the ideal opportunity to shape the future of AI from anywhere in the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge machine learning models and algorithms to solve challenging business problems.
• Lead the end-to-end data science lifecycle, including data acquisition, feature engineering, model training, validation, and deployment.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate ML models into production systems and ensure scalability and performance.
• Conduct rigorous statistical analysis and A/B testing to evaluate model performance and derive actionable insights.
• Explore and analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for ML application.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering their technical growth and best practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in machine learning, deep learning and AI.
• Communicate complex findings and technical concepts clearly to both technical and executive stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of internal tools and platforms for efficient data science workflows.
• Drive innovation by identifying new applications for ML and AI across the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field with a strong focus on Machine Learning.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in Data Science, with a significant emphasis on building and deploying production-level ML models.
• Expertise in a wide range of ML techniques, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, deep learning (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and causal inference.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with ambiguous requirements.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience in a remote work setting is highly preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and stock options. We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, an unlimited PTO policy, and a generous professional development budget. The fully remote nature of this role offers ultimate flexibility and work-life balance. We invest in our employees' growth through continuous learning opportunities and career advancement paths. Join a world-class team and shape the future of AI. Employees also benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation and intellectual curiosity, and access to cutting-edge technology.