Remote Principal Data Scientist - AI/ML

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office budget

Global health coverage

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Principal Data Scientist to lead end-to-end AI/ML initiatives, training and deploying models while mentoring junior data scientists and collaborating with product and engineering teams to deliver impactful AI solutions. This fully remote role offers high impact across global projects.

You will stay at the forefront of AI research, ensure ethical AI practices, and help scale pipelines in cloud environments.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc required with AI/ML focus
• Hands-on data science and ML experience
• Strong Python & ML framework skills
• Proven production ML deployment experience
• Cloud and big data tech experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and deployment of advanced AI/ML models
• Design scalable ML pipelines for training, evaluation, and production
• Mentor junior data scientists and promote best practices
• Collaborate with product, engineering and stakeholders to define scope
• Stay updated on AI/ML advancements and document models and processes

Skills

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Production ML

Education

PhD in Computer Science / Statistics / Mathematics with AI/ML focus

MS in related quantitative field

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

AWS / Azure / GCP

Job description

About the Role

Join our client, a global leader in technology and innovation, as a Remote Principal Data Scientist specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This is a fully remote, high-impact role where you will lead the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI/ML models that drive significant business value. You will tackle complex challenges, mentor junior data scientists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into our products and services. Our client is at the forefront of AI research and development, offering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating remote work environment. If you are a seasoned data scientist with a passion for pushing the boundaries of AI and a proven ability to lead and innovate, we invite you to apply. This role offers the chance to shape the future of AI within a forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and deployment of advanced AI/ML models, including deep learning architectures.
• Design and implement scalable machine learning pipelines for training, evaluation, and production.
• Conduct rigorous data analysis, feature engineering, and model selection to address complex business problems.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering their technical growth and promoting best practices.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define project scope and deliver impactful AI solutions.
• Research and stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI/ML, evaluating and incorporating new techniques.
• Develop and maintain robust documentation for models, code, and processes.
• Present complex findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure ethical considerations and responsible AI practices are integrated into all development efforts.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field with a focus on AI/ML.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in data science and machine learning, with at least 3 years in a leadership or principal role.
• Expertise in Python, along with extensive experience using ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Proven experience in designing, building, and deploying complex ML models in production environments.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to translate business needs into data science solutions.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, essential for a remote role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor team members.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package of up to R per annum, commensurate with expertise and experience.
• Benefits include a generous home office setup budget, comprehensive global health coverage, a top-tier retirement savings plan, and substantial annual bonuses tied to performance.
• We provide continuous learning opportunities through online courses, virtual conferences, and dedicated research time.
• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking AI initiatives that impact millions globally, all from your chosen location.