Principal Data Scientist (Pretoria)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 2.000.000 - 3.500.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Hybrid work arrangement

Health insurance

Pension plan

Professional development & conferences

Relocation assistance

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead advanced analytical initiatives, build predictive models, and drive data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

You will mentor junior data scientists, collaborate with engineering and product teams, and stay at the forefront of ML research in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifikationen

• PhD or MSc in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or related field.
• 8+ years of professional data science experience with advanced modeling.
• Strong ML algorithms knowledge (deep learning, boosting, SVM).
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, statsmodels.
• Experience with SQL and large datasets in Spark/Hadoop ecosystems.
• Strong data viz skills (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau/Power BI).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor teams.

Aufgaben

• Lead design, development, and deployment of advanced statistical and ML models.
• Extract, clean, and transform large, complex datasets from multiple sources.
• Perform EDA to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop and validate predictive models (classification, regression, clustering, time-series).
• Design and run A/B tests and experiments to measure impact of models.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders via reports.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts.
• Stay current with ML/AI research and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering/product teams to integrate DS solutions.

Kenntnisse

Python/R proficiency

SQL & distributed data processing

Machine learning & statistics

Data visualization tools

Leadership & mentoring

Ausbildung

PhD or MSc in quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow/PyTorch

statsmodels

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leading research and development organization in Pretoria, is seeking an accomplished Principal Data Scientist to spearhead advanced analytical initiatives. This senior role involves leveraging complex datasets to extract actionable insights, develop sophisticated predictive models, and drive data-informed decision-making across the organization. You will lead challenging projects, mentor junior data scientists, and contribute significantly to our client's innovation strategy. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization techniques, coupled with strong business acumen. This position offers a hybrid work model, providing a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration in our Pretoria headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced statistical and machine learning models to solve complex business problems.
• Extract, clean, and transform large, complex datasets from various sources.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop and validate predictive models, including classification, regression, clustering, and time-series forecasting.
• Design and implement A/B tests and other experiments to measure the impact of model deployments.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports and presentations.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists and analysts.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate data science solutions into production systems.
• Contribute to the development of the overall data science strategy and roadmap.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of professional experience in data science, with a significant focus on advanced modeling and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning algorithms (e.g., deep learning, gradient boosting, SVMs) and statistical modeling techniques.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, statsmodels).
• Experience with SQL and working with large datasets in distributed computing environments (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Strong data visualization skills using tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and mentor team members.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to a diverse audience.
• Experience in (mention a specific relevant industry, e.g., finance, healthcare, telecommunications) is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous pension fund contribution.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development, including access to conferences and advanced training.
• A stimulating research environment with access to cutting-edge technology.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Collaborative and intellectually driven team culture.
• Paid time off for personal and professional development.
• Life assurance and long-term disability coverage.