Remote Lead Data Scientist - Machine Learning & AI Innovation

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,030,000 - 3,046,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Flexible remote work

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to define the ML/AI strategy and spearhead development of advanced models. You will lead a globally distributed team of data scientists, directing research through production deployment and ongoing optimization.

You will translate complex business problems into data science solutions, leverage big data platforms, and maintain high standards of technical excellence and collaboration across stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a quantitative field (CS/Statistics/Math).
• 10+ years of experience in data science with ML/AI focus.
• Proven deployment of ML models to production environments.

Responsibilities

• Define roadmap and strategy for ML/AI development.
• Lead design, development, and deployment of ML/AI solutions.
• Mentor and manage a data science team across a distributed setup.

Skills

Leadership

ML & AI strategy

Statistical modeling

TensorFlow PyTorch

Python R

Big data tech

MLOps

Remote team leadership

Education

PhD or master's in CS/Statistics/Math

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology company focused on AI-driven solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their machine learning and artificial intelligence initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to work with a global team on impactful projects. You will be responsible for defining the strategy, developing advanced ML models, and leading a team of data scientists to deliver innovative AI-powered products and services. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, deep learning frameworks, and big data technologies. You will translate complex business problems into data science solutions, driving significant value through predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and intelligent automation. This leadership role requires a passion for innovation and a proven ability to mentor and inspire a high-performing team, irrespective of their location. Your contributions will be critical in advancing our AI capabilities and shaping our technological landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the roadmap and strategy for machine learning and AI development within the organization.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of sophisticated ML models and AI solutions.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for AI integration.
• Develop and implement data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model validation strategies.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Oversee the management of large datasets, utilizing big data technologies and platforms.
• Communicate complex findings and model insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible application of AI and machine learning technologies.
• Drive innovation by exploring new algorithms, techniques, and applications for AI, working effectively with a distributed team.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, with a strong focus on machine learning and AI development.
• Proven track record of successfully deploying ML models into production environments.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, and deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science (e.g., Python, R) and associated libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong understanding of MLOps principles and practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into data science solutions.
• Experience managing and mentoring a team of data scientists is essential.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and significant equity options.
• We provide a flexible remote work environment with allowances for home office setup.
• Access to state-of-the-art tools, extensive learning resources, and opportunities to present at leading AI conferences are provided.
• You will be part of an innovative, forward-thinking company shaping the future of artificial intelligence, working alongside a talented, globally distributed team.