Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML Focus)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Randburg, Gauteng, to lead AI/ML initiatives, develop predictive models, and drive data-driven decisions.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, a Master’s/PhD, and strong Python/R skills with ML libraries. Proficiency in Pandas/NumPy/SQL and cloud platforms is required. Hybrid work in Gauteng with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or related field.
• 5+ years as a Data Scientist with focus on AI/ML model development and deployment.
• Proficiency in Python or R with ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Strong data manipulation with Pandas, NumPy, SQL.
• Experience with big data (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy ML models for predictive analytics, classification, regression, and clustering.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends and actionable insights.
• Design and conduct A/B tests to validate model performance and impact.
• Clean, preprocess, and transform data for modeling.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to deploy models in production.
• Explain findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated on AI/ML advances and mentor junior data scientists.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and feature stores.
• Evaluate statistical techniques and ML algorithms for problems.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Pandas

NumPy

ML techniques

Data visualization

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering analytics firm based in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a talented Senior Data Scientist with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This exciting role involves leveraging vast datasets to develop predictive models, design machine learning algorithms, and drive data-driven decision-making across the organization. You will work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of AI and ML, contributing to innovative solutions for diverse business problems. The ideal candidate is passionate about uncovering insights from data, possesses strong analytical and programming skills, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment within the Gauteng tech ecosystem. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact business strategy and contribute to the forefront of data science innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy machine learning models and algorithms for predictive analytics, classification, regression, and clustering.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and experiments to validate model performance and business impact.
• Clean, preprocess, and transform raw data into usable formats for analysis and modeling.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, ML, and data science methodologies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and feature stores.
• Evaluate and select appropriate statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms for specific problems.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of proven experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on AI/ML model development and deployment.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Solid experience with data manipulation and analysis tools (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, SQL).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data science workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to a diverse audience.
• Experience working in the Randburg, Gauteng area is an advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous opportunities for professional development, including conferences and advanced training.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment in Randburg.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in AI and ML.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Collaborative team culture focused on learning and growth.