Senior Data Scientist - AI/ML in Agriculture

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Home office stipend

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 has aSenior Data Scientist role for an AgTech client in Pretoria, offering fully remote work from anywhere. You will develop and deploy AI/ML models for precision agriculture, leveraging satellite imagery, IoT data, and climate information to optimize crop yields and resource use.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s/PhD with 5+ years in data science, hands-on experience with TensorFlow/PyTorch, Python libraries, and cloud platforms, plus strong communication skills and a passion

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science with a focus on ML.
• Proven experience with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and classical ML algorithms.
• Proficiency in Python and libraries (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with large-scale datasets and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with geospatial data analysis and remote sensing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy ML models for crop yield prediction, disease detection, and irrigation scheduling.
• Analyze large datasets from IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and weather data.
• Collaborate with agronomists, data engineers, and software developers to integrate AI/ML solutions.
• Design experiments to evaluate model performance and identify improvements.
• Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with AI/ML advancements in agriculture.
• Contribute to data strategy and best practices; mentor junior data scientists.

Skills

Machine learning

Python

Data analysis

Cloud platforms

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/CS/Statistics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering AgTech company operating out of Pretoria , is seeking a talented Senior Data Scientist to develop and deploy advanced AI/ML models for precision agriculture. This role is integral to harnessing the power of data to optimize crop yields, improve resource management, and enhance sustainability in farming. You will work with diverse datasets, including satellite imagery, sensor data, and climate information, to build predictive models and analytical tools. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machine learning, statistical modeling, and a passion for applying these skills to solve real-world challenges in agriculture. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation in the agricultural sector, making a significant impact on food security and environmental stewardship. This role is fully remote, allowing you to work from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy machine learning models for tasks such as crop yield prediction, disease detection, and optimal irrigation scheduling.
• Analyze large and complex datasets from various sources, including IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and historical weather data.
• Collaborate with agronomists, data engineers, and software developers to integrate AI/ML solutions into existing platforms.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate model performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Communicate complex findings and model insights clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and agricultural technology.
• Contribute to the development of data strategies and best practices within the organization.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to a culture of continuous learning.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science, with a focus on machine learning applications.
• Proven experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and classical ML algorithms.
• Proficiency in Python and relevant data science libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn).
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with geospatial data analysis and remote sensing is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Benefits

As a fully remote position, our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. We provide a flexible work schedule, generous paid time off, and a home office setup stipend. Opportunities for professional development, including online courses and conference attendance, are actively encouraged. Join a forward-thinking company driving innovation in agriculture from Pretoria , while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.