Remote Principal Data Scientist - AI Research

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Equity options

Home office stipend

Health insurance

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Principal Data Scientist to lead our AI research agenda in a fully remote team. You will define and execute the company’s AI strategy, push the boundaries of machine learning and deep learning to create innovative products and solutions, and mentor a team of data scientists.

You will work with world-class engineers and researchers, translate research breakthroughs into production-ready features, and help shape the future of AI from anywhere.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, ML, or related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of data science and ML with a focus on AI research.
• Proven track record leading AI projects from ideation to deployment.
• Strong experience with DL frameworks and ML systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel AI algorithms for real-world applications.
• Define strategic directions for AI initiatives to gain competitive advantage.
• Architect, build, and deploy scalable ML systems and data pipelines.
• Collaborate with product management and engineering to translate research into production features.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster a culture of learning and experimentation.
• Publish research findings in top AI conferences and journals.

Skills

AI research leadership

Deep learning

NLP

Computer vision

Reinforcement learning

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary Principal Data Scientist with a strong background in Artificial Intelligence Research to join their fully remote team. This is a leadership position responsible for defining and executing the company's AI strategy, pushing the boundaries of machine learning and deep learning to create innovative products and solutions. You will work on challenging, high-impact problems, collaborate with world-class engineers and researchers, and mentor a team of talented data scientists. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of AI from anywhere, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel AI algorithms and machine learning models for complex, real-world applications.
• Define the strategic direction for AI initiatives, identifying new opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Architect, build, and deploy scalable machine learning systems and data pipelines.
• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering teams to translate research breakthroughs into production-ready features.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and technical excellence.
• Publish research findings in top-tier AI conferences and journals, representing the company as a thought leader.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science and machine learning, with a significant focus on AI research and development.
• Proven track record of leading complex AI projects from ideation to deployment.
• Deep expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive remote work support, including home office stipends and technology allowances.
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Unlimited paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Opportunities to shape the future of AI and work on cutting-edge research challenges globally.