Remote Subsurface Data Scientist - AI/ML Focus

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote compensation package

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Professional development

Life insurance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Remote Subsurface Data Scientist with a strong focus on AI/ML for the Oil & Gas sector. The role is fully remote within South Africa and requires 5+ years of applying AI/ML to subsurface problems such as seismic interpretation and production forecasting.

You will design models, manage large datasets, and collaborate with geoscientists to deliver data-driven insights. Proficiency in Python or R and cloud platforms is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field with a strong AI/ML focus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy ML models for subsurface data analysis (seismic interpretation, well log prediction, facies classification, production forecasting).
• Process and manage large subsurface datasets ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Collaborate with geoscientists and engineers to address data challenges with data-driven solutions.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and feature engineering workflows.
• Evaluate and implement new AI/ML tools and technologies for subsurface applications.
• Communicate complex model results to technical and non-technical audiences via reports and presentations.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Remote collaboration

Data wrangling

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/CS/Statistics/Geophysics/Petroleum Engineering

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Pandas

SQL

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the global Oil & Gas industry, is actively seeking a highly skilled Remote Subsurface Data Scientist with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing advanced AI/ML models to unlock insights from complex subsurface data, including seismic, well logs, core data, and production information. Your work will directly impact exploration success, reservoir characterization, and production optimization strategies worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to leverage cutting-edge data science techniques in a challenging and rewarding domain, driving innovation within a company committed to technological advancement in the energy sector. You will collaborate with a global team of geoscientists, engineers, and data professionals, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with subsurface data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models for subsurface data analysis (e.g., seismic interpretation, well log prediction, facies classification, production forecasting).
• Process and manage large, complex subsurface datasets, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Apply advanced statistical and computational techniques to extract meaningful insights.
• Collaborate closely with geoscientists and petroleum engineers to understand their data challenges and provide data-driven solutions.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and feature engineering workflows.
• Evaluate and implement new AI/ML tools and technologies relevant to the subsurface domain.
• Communicate complex findings and model results effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through reports and presentations.
• Contribute to the development of a data-driven culture within the subsurface community.
• Stay current with research and advancements in data science, AI/ML, and their applications in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Document methodologies, code, and results thoroughly.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, or a related quantitative field with a strong AI/ML focus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience applying AI/ML techniques to real-world problems, with significant experience in the Upstream Oil & Gas sector .
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and associated data science libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Pandas).
• Expertise in machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and statistical modeling.
• Experience with subsurface data types (seismic, well logs, core data) is highly desirable.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) are a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a remote team.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional remote compensation package, including a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive health benefits. Significant investment in professional development, including access to advanced training, conferences, and cutting-edge tools, is provided. Enjoy the ultimate flexibility of working remotely while contributing to impactful projects in the global energy sector. Additional benefits include life insurance and wellness programs. This role offers a challenging and rewarding career path for ambitious data scientists.