Remote Data Scientist - Mineral Processing Optimization

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,662,000 - 2,991,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Advanced training opportunities

Retirement savings plan

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Data Scientist to lead the optimization of mineral processing using advanced analytics, ML, and dashboards. Work with global teams to identify inefficiencies, predict equipment performance, and drive data-driven improvements from anywhere.

The role emphasizes remote collaboration, cutting-edge data science, and contribution to sustainability in mining, with a focus on practical impact across plants worldwide.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience as a Data Scientist with deployed models.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries.
• Experience with SQL and big data technologies (Spark/Hadoop).
• Cloud experience and MLOps understanding.
• Strong communication in remote teams.
• Domain knowledge in mining/metallurgy or chemical processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy machine learning models to optimize mineral processing parameters.
• Analyze large datasets from plant operations and sensors to identify trends and improvements.
• Design and run experiments to validate model performance and process changes.
• Collaborate with process engineers, metallurgists, and operations managers remotely.
• Build data pipelines and ETL processes for ingestion and transformation.
• Create interactive dashboards to communicate insights and results to stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with advances in data science and mining applications.
• Mentor junior data scientists within the remote team.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Statistical modeling

Experiment design

Remote collaboration

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

Cloud platforms

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science, CS, Stats, Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

ETL tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in innovative mining solutions, is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Remote Data Scientist to spearhead the optimization of mineral processing operations. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere. You will leverage advanced data analytics, machine learning, and statistical modeling to extract actionable insights from vast datasets generated by our client's processing plants worldwide. Your expertise will be crucial in identifying inefficiencies, predicting equipment performance, and driving process improvements to enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. This role demands a proactive individual with a passion for data-driven decision-making and a deep understanding of complex industrial processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mineral processing through cutting-edge data science applications, contributing directly to our client's operational excellence and competitive edge. This remote-first role emphasizes collaboration across diverse teams and geographies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy machine learning models to predict and optimize mineral processing parameters (e.g., reagent dosage, throughput, recovery rates).
• Analyze large, complex datasets from plant operations, sensors, and historical records to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and experiments to validate model performance and process changes.
• Collaborate closely with process engineers, metallurgists, and operations managers (remotely) to understand their challenges and translate them into data science problems.
• Build data pipelines and ETL processes to ingest, clean, and transform data from various sources.
• Develop interactive dashboards and visualizations to communicate insights and model results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and their applications in the mining industry.
• Contribute to the development of a data-driven culture within the organization.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists within the remote team.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Data Scientist, with a strong portfolio of successfully deployed models.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Expertise in SQL and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, time series), and experimental design.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and MLOps principles.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Domain knowledge in mining, metallurgy, or chemical processing is a significant advantage.
• Ability to translate complex business problems into analytical solutions.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, tailored for remote employees. This includes a flexible work schedule, home office stipend, advanced training opportunities, and a retirement savings plan. You will be part of an innovative and forward-thinking company, working on impactful projects that drive efficiency and sustainability in the mining sector from the comfort of your own home. The remote nature of this role allows for a global perspective and diverse team collaboration.