Remote Principal Data Scientist - AI and Machine Learning

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

substantial annual bonus

health insurance

retirement fund

extensive opportunities for continuous

professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to join a fully remote team driving AI/ML innovation for scientific research. You will lead model development, data-pipeline design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

With 10+ years in data science and advanced degrees, you will mentor others, design scalable architectures, and translate complex data into actionable insights across domains.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in data science with a focus on AI/ML.
• Proven expertise in building and deploying complex ML models (deep learning, RL, NLP).
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Experience with Spark/Hadoop and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong statistical modeling, experimental design, and data visualization skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience.
• Excellent communication of complex concepts in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of advanced AI/ML models for scientific applications.
• Architect scalable data pipelines for massive datasets.
• Collaborate with domain experts, researchers, and engineers to define goals and strategies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster learning culture.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify insights and opportunities.
• Ensure production ML solutions are reliable and performant.
• Present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay at the forefront of AI research and methods.

Skills

Python or R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Data Visualization

Communication (remote)

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science/Data Science/Statistics/Physics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in scientific research and development, committed to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and machine learning. We are actively seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Principal Data Scientist to join our fully remote team. This pivotal role is central to driving innovation in AI-driven research across various scientific domains. You will be instrumental in developing sophisticated machine learning models, architecting scalable data pipelines, and leading high-impact projects from conception to deployment. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of AI in scientific discovery, working collaboratively with a distributed, world-class team. We are looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of complex datasets and a passion for translating data into actionable scientific insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced AI and machine learning models for scientific applications.
• Architect and maintain robust, scalable data pipelines for processing and analyzing massive datasets.
• Collaborate closely with domain experts, researchers, and engineers to define project goals and technical strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a culture of learning and technical excellence.
• Conduct thorough exploratory data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for scientific breakthroughs.
• Develop and deploy machine learning solutions in production environments, ensuring their performance and reliability.
• Present complex findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organization.
• Stay at the forefront of AI and machine learning research, identifying and integrating new methodologies and technologies.
• Champion best practices in data science, including code quality, reproducibility, and model validation.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in data science, with a significant focus on AI and machine learning.
• Proven expertise in building and deploying complex ML models (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data visualization.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing data science projects.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to communicate technical concepts effectively in a remote setting.
• A passion for scientific research and applying AI to solve challenging real-world problems.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• substantial annual bonus
• an excellent health insurance plan
• a generous retirement fund
• extensive opportunities for professional development and continuous learning

As a fully remote position, it provides unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere. Our client is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Join us and make a significant impact on the future of scientific innovation.