Remote Lead Data Scientist - Algorithmic Trading

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first role

Above-market salary and performance-b;

Health, dental and vision insurance

Stock option plan

Professional growth and conference支

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Data Scientist to drive ML-driven algorithmic trading in a fully remote fintech team. You will lead a skilled data science group, mentor juniors, and push forward predictive modeling, backtesting, and data infrastructure to boost trading performance.

The role requires a PhD/Master’s in a quantitative field and 8+ years in data science with finance focus, plus Python/SQL and cloud expertise. Remote work offers high autonomy and collaboration with traders.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field (e.g., CS, stats, math, physics, financial engineering).
• 8+ years in data science with a focus on quantitative finance or algo trading.
• Demonstrated leadership of data science teams and complex projects.
• Strong knowledge of ML algorithms and time-series modeling.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and big data tools; experience with cloud platforms.
• Excellent communication and ability to work autonomously in a remote setup.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end ML model development for algorithmic trading strategies.
• Design robust data pipelines for large financial datasets.
• Conduct quantitative research to find trading opportunities and refine strategies.
• Mentor data scientists and collaborate with traders and engineers.
• Oversee backtesting and performance analysis of trading algorithms.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Python

SQL

Time series

Deep learning

Reinforcement learning

Pandas/NumPy

Cloud platforms

Education

PhD or Master's in a quantitative field

Tools

Spark

TensorFlow

PyTorch

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge fintech firm specializing in algorithmic trading strategies, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Data Scientist to join their fully remote team. This is a critical role focused on designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated machine learning models and data-driven insights to optimize trading performance. The successful candidate will lead a team of talented data scientists, mentor junior members, and drive innovation in areas such as quantitative analysis, predictive modeling, and strategy backtesting. This position is a remote-first role, offering unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of financial markets and a passion for leveraging data science to gain a competitive edge. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our trading algorithms and data infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end development and implementation of machine learning models for algorithmic trading strategies. Design and build robust data pipelines for collecting, cleaning, and processing large financial datasets. Conduct in-depth quantitative research to identify new trading opportunities and refine existing strategies. Develop and validate predictive models for market movements, volatility, and asset pricing. Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration. Collaborate with quantitative traders and software engineers to integrate models into live trading systems. Perform rigorous backtesting and performance analysis of trading algorithms. Stay at the forefront of advancements in data science, machine learning, and quantitative finance. Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Contribute to the strategic direction of the firm's data science and quantitative research efforts.

Requirements

PhD or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or Financial Engineering. Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in data science, with a significant focus on quantitative finance or algorithmic trading. Proven experience in leading data science teams and managing complex projects. Expertise in machine learning algorithms (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, time series analysis) and statistical modeling. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch) and SQL. Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP). Strong understanding of financial markets, trading mechanisms, and derivatives. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating technical concepts effectively. Must be comfortable working independently in a remote environment and demonstrate strong self-discipline.

Benefits

• As a fully remote role, we offer exceptional flexibility and autonomy.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, significantly above market rates, along with a substantial performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A generous stock option plan is available for key personnel.
• Opportunities for professional growth include access to leading-edge research, advanced training, and support for attending top-tier conferences.
• We foster a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity, encouraging continuous learning and skill development for all remote team members.
• A home office stipend is also provided to ensure a productive work environment.