Remote Data Scientist - Machine Learning

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Home office stipend

Ongoing learning & conferences

Remote autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist with ML specialization to join a remote-first, globally distributed team in South Africa. Work from anywhere within South Africa designing, building, and deploying advanced ML models to solve real-world problems.

The role requires a strong academic background (Master’s/PhD) and 3+ years of professional ML deployment experience, with Python or R and ML libraries.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in CS, stats, math, or related quantitative field.
• 3+ years of experience developing and deploying ML models in a professional setting.
• Strong programming in Python or R with ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with big data tech (Spark, Hadoop).
• Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, data mining, and ML algorithms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage remote projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models for various applications.
• Performing data exploration, cleaning, and feature engineering on large, complex datasets.
• Evaluating and optimizing model performance using appropriate metrics and techniques.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Conducting statistical analysis and hypothesis testing to derive actionable insights.
• Staying current with the latest research and advancements in machine learning and AI.
• Communicating complex findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Mentoring junior data scientists and sharing expertise.

Skills

Python

R

ML libraries

SQL

Big data

Cloud platforms

Remote work

Communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in CS/Statistics/Math

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

Tableau

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering AI research firm, is seeking highly motivated and skilled Data Scientists with a specialization in Machine Learning to join their globally distributed team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced machine learning models to solve complex real-world problems. This role requires a deep understanding of statistical modeling, data mining, and predictive analytics. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product managers, to translate business needs into data-driven solutions. The company fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning, providing access to cutting-edge tools and resources. As a remote-first organization, effective communication and self-discipline are key. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background, proven experience in ML model development, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that have a significant impact across various industries. Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. Embrace the opportunity to contribute your expertise to a leading-edge technology company from the comfort of your own home.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models for various applications.
• Performing data exploration, cleaning, and feature engineering on large, complex datasets.
• Evaluating and optimizing model performance using appropriate metrics and techniques.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Conducting statistical analysis and hypothesis testing to derive actionable insights.
• Staying current with the latest research and advancements in machine learning and AI.
• Communicating complex findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Contributing to the company's knowledge base through documentation and presentations.
• Mentoring junior data scientists and sharing expertise.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in developing and deploying machine learning models in a professional setting.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, including experience with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, data mining, and machine learning algorithms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a distributed team environment.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau) is beneficial.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous home office setup stipend and ongoing tech support.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, attending conferences, and advanced training.
• Flexible working hours and complete remote autonomy.
• Contribution to cutting-edge AI research and development.
• Collaborative environment with a global team of experts.