Senior Data Scientist - AI/ML

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Generous PTO

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape invites a Senior Data Scientist to lead AI/ML initiatives. You will design, deploy and scale advanced models, collaborate with engineers and product teams, and drive data-driven decision making across the business.

The role demands a PhD/masters in a quantitative field and 5+ years of production ML experience, with Python/R, SQL, Spark, and visualization tools. This onsite position offers a path for impact and professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in statistics, CS, math, or related field.
• 5+ years of data science experience with AI/ML focus.
• Experience deploying ML models in production environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced ML models and algorithms.
• Analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights and identify trends.
• Develop predictive models and forecasting systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to productionize models.
• Evaluate model performance, run A/B tests, and iterate solutions.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated with data science research and best practices.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share knowledge.
• Develop data visualization tools and reports to present findings.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Statistical modeling

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Tableau/Matplotlib

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in data-driven solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist specializing in AI/ML to join their esteemed team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is integral to developing and deploying advanced machine learning models and AI solutions that drive business insights and create strategic value. You will leverage your expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and data analysis to tackle complex challenges and build predictive systems. Working within a collaborative environment, you will have the opportunity to influence product development and strategic decision-making through robust data science methodologies. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced data scientist to contribute to impactful projects in a dynamic and growth-oriented organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to extract actionable insights and identify trends.
• Develop predictive models and forecasting systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Evaluate model performance, perform A/B testing, and iterate on solutions.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in data science, AI, and ML.
• Contribute to the development of data science best practices and standards.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share knowledge within the team.
• Develop data visualization tools and reports to present findings.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience as a Data Scientist with a focus on AI/ML.
• Proven experience in building and deploying machine learning models in production.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Matplotlib).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent private medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance.
• Employees benefit from generous paid time off, wellness programs, and access to the latest technology and research resources.

This role is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Paarl, Western Cape , offering a collaborative and innovative work environment. We provide ample opportunities for professional development through advanced training, workshops, and attendance at leading industry conferences. The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, supporting employee growth and career advancement.