Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Work with HPC resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to design, develop, and deploy advanced AI and ML solutions for predictive analytics and optimization of industrial processes. You will work with large datasets, build end-to-end data pipelines, mentor juniors, and communicate insights to stakeholders.

The role offers a hybrid work model and opportunities for research and development. The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a quantitative field.
• 5+ years of data science experience with AI/ML focus.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries.
• Experience with big data tools (Spark/Hadoop).
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of cloud ML services is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement ML models and AI algorithms for predictive analytics and anomaly detection.
• Clean, preprocess, and analyze large datasets from industrial sources.
• Collaborate with engineers and domain experts to define project requirements.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and model deployment strategies.
• Evaluate model performance and iterate to production deployment.
• Stay updated with AI/ML advancements and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.
• Develop and implement A/B testing frameworks for model evaluation.
• Contribute to the company’s data strategy and innovation roadmap.

Skills

Python

R

Data analysis

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in a quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in the industrial analytics sector, is seeking a highly analytical and innovative Senior Data Scientist specializing in AI and Machine Learning. This role, based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , will focus on developing and deploying advanced predictive models and machine learning solutions to optimize industrial processes and drive significant business value. You will work with large, complex datasets, leverage cutting-edge AI/ML techniques, and collaborate with domain experts to solve challenging problems. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in a quantitative field, extensive experience in applied AI/ML, and a proven ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work in an industry ripe for technological advancement, within a company that values data-driven decision-making and continuous innovation. We are seeking a proactive individual passionate about unlocking the potential of data through sophisticated analytical methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement machine learning models and AI algorithms for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and optimization.
• Clean, preprocess, and analyze large, complex datasets from various industrial sources.
• Collaborate with engineers and domain experts to define project requirements and translate business needs into data science solutions.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and model deployment strategies.
• Evaluate model performance, iterate on model development, and ensure robust deployment in production environments.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Develop and implement A/B testing frameworks for model evaluation.
• Contribute to the company's data strategy and innovation roadmap.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science, with a strong focus on AI and machine learning applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and associated data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with big data technologies and platforms (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and deep learning techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts simply.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their ML services is a plus.
• Domain knowledge in industrial processes or manufacturing is advantageous.

Benefits

• Attractive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced research and development.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Generous annual leave and study leave for professional development.
• Chance to work on impactful projects in a dynamic industry.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Access to high-performance computing resources.
• Regular workshops and conference attendance.
• Employee assistance program.