Remote Lead Data Scientist - Machine Learning Applications

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Home office setup allowance

Remote-first culture

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Remote Lead Data Scientist to spearhead its ML initiatives. You will architect, develop, and deploy models that drive business decisions while mentoring a distributed data science team.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MSc in a quantitative field, 8+ years in data science with leadership experience, and expertise in Python, SQL, and big data tools. This is a remote-first role with a competitive package and equity options.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or related quantitative field with ML specialization.
• At least 8 years in data science and ML, with 2+ years in leadership or senior mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models and algorithms.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists in a distributed setting.
• Identify opportunities to improve products through data science and ML.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines for model training, validation, and deployment.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and executive stakeholders.
• Ensure scalable, efficient, and ethically-compliant deployment of ML models.
• Collaborate with engineers, PMs, and teams via remote tools.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

PhD or MSc in a quantitative field

Tools

Python (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)

SQL

Big data tools (Spark, Hadoop)

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology leader renowned for its innovative solutions, is seeking an exceptional and experienced Remote Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their advanced machine learning initiatives. This role is fully remote, allowing you to contribute from any location while working with a globally distributed team of brilliant minds. You will be responsible for architecting, developing, and deploying sophisticated machine learning models that drive key business decisions and product enhancements. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of ML algorithms, combined with extensive practical experience in applying these techniques to solve complex real-world problems. This is a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects, mentor a team of data scientists, and significantly shape the future of AI-driven products within a fully remote-first organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning models and algorithms to address complex business challenges.


• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.


• Identify opportunities for leveraging data science and machine learning to improve products, processes, and decision-making.


• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines for model training, validation, and deployment.


• Conduct thorough exploratory data analysis to uncover patterns, trends, and actionable insights.


• Stay at the forefront of machine learning research and actively incorporate new techniques and technologies into projects.


• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and executive stakeholders through compelling presentations and reports.


• Ensure the scalability, efficiency, and ethical application of deployed ML models.


• Collaborate effectively with engineers, product managers, and other cross-functional teams using remote collaboration tools.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field with a specialization in Machine Learning.


• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in data science and machine learning, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior mentorship role.


• Proven expertise in developing and deploying machine learning models for applications such as natural language processing, computer vision, time-series forecasting, or recommendation systems.


• Strong proficiency in programming languages like Python (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and SQL.


• Extensive experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).


• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and model evaluation techniques.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, vital for effective remote collaboration and stakeholder management.


• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage multiple complex projects, and deliver impactful results in a distributed setting.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant annual bonus, and equity options. Comprehensive benefits include premium health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and unlimited paid time off. We provide a robust home office setup allowance and a dedicated budget for continuous professional development, including conferences and workshops. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and work-life balance within its fully remote workforce.