Remote Lead Data Scientist - Financial Risk

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Flexible hours

Training & conferences

Home office stipend

Cutting-edge technology

Remote team culture

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to spearhead a remote-first financial risk modeling team based in Gauteng. You will develop and deploy advanced ML models to assess and mitigate risk across platforms, leading a high-performing data science group in Banking & Finance.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field, 7+ years in data science with 2+ in leadership, and strong Python/R skills with Spark/Hadoop experience.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on data science experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to build and deploy ML models for financial risk management in Banking & Finance.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R and libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas.
• Proficient in SQL and big data tech (Spark, Hadoop).
• Excellent communication to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience in remote-first environments with strong self-discipline and time management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and deployment of ML models for financial risk assessment (credit, market, fraud).
• Mentor a team of data scientists and foster innovation and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers and stakeholders to define scope and deliver insights.
• Process and analyze large, diverse datasets ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Stay updated on data science advances relevant to finance and risk modeling.
• Document models, methodologies and results robustly.
• Present findings to senior management and technical teams.
• Champion model validation, deployment and monitoring in a remote setting.

Skills

Leadership

Statistical modeling

Communication

Time management

Education

Master's or PhD

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in financial services technology, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their remote-first financial risk modeling team. This is a critical role based out of Tembisa, Gauteng, offering a fully remote working experience, allowing you to contribute from anywhere. You will be responsible for developing and deploying advanced machine learning models to assess and mitigate financial risks across various platforms. This position requires a deep understanding of statistical modeling, big data technologies, and the financial industry's unique challenges. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities and a passion for leveraging data to drive impactful business outcomes in the Banking & Finance sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated machine learning models for financial risk assessment (e.g., credit risk, market risk, fraud detection).
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to define project scope and deliver actionable insights.
• Process and analyze large, complex datasets from diverse sources, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence relevant to finance.
• Develop and maintain robust documentation for models, methodologies, and results.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and technical teams.
• Champion best practices in model validation, deployment, and monitoring in a remote environment.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in data science, with at least 2 years in a leadership or lead role.
• Proven expertise in building and deploying machine learning models, particularly in financial risk management within the Banking & Finance industry.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., Scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Proficiency in SQL and experience working with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience working in a remote-first setting, demonstrating strong self‑discipline and time management skills.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Opportunities for advanced training and conferences.
• Contribution towards home office setup.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and research.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote team culture.
• Performance-based bonuses.