Remote Senior Data Scientist (Mining Analytics)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Flexible hours

Generous annual leave

Learning & conferences

Remote infrastructure support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will drive data-driven decisions across the mining lifecycle by building advanced analytical models and insights that optimize exploration, production and processing.

You will work with large, diverse datasets, mentor junior teammates, and communicate complex results to technical and non-technical stakeholders through engaging visualizations and clear reports.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, CS, Math, or related field.
• 7+ years of industrial data science experience with ML in mining or related sector.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong SQL and big data experience (Spark, Hadoop) with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy ML models for mining problems.
• Clean, transform, and manage large datasets from multiple sources.
• Collaborate with geologists, engineers, and operations managers.
• Communicate findings via visualizations and reports.
• Design and run experiments to evaluate solutions.
• Mentor junior data scientists in a remote team.

Skills

Python

R

Pandas

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

Statistical modeling

Experimental design

Machine learning

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science or related quantitative field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the mining technology space, is seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist to join their fully remote team. This role is critical for driving data-driven decision-making across global mining operations by developing advanced analytical models and insights. You will be responsible for leveraging vast datasets to uncover patterns, predict trends, and optimize various aspects of the mining lifecycle, from exploration to production and processing. This is a unique opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa, contributing to the digital transformation of the mining industry without the need for relocation. The role demands strong technical acumen, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a distributed team environment. Your work will directly impact operational efficiency and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy sophisticated machine learning models and statistical analyses to solve complex mining -related problems (e.g., predictive maintenance, ore grade prediction, operational optimization).
• Clean, transform, and manage large, complex datasets from various sources within the mining domain.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including geologists, engineers, and operations managers, to understand their data needs and deliver actionable insights.
• Communicate complex analytical findings clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through compelling visualizations and reports.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate the impact of implemented solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI, and explore their applicability to the mining industry.
• Contribute to the development of data governance and best practices within the organization.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the knowledge sharing within the remote team.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant focus on applying advanced analytics and machine learning in an industrial context, preferably within mining or a related sector.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and extensive experience with relevant libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and database management.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) is highly desirable.
• Excellent data visualization skills (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and machine learning algorithms.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and collaborate effectively in a remote, distributed team setting.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure support.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous learning through online courses and conferences.
• Contribution to leading-edge mining technology development from anywhere in South Africa.