Senior Data Scientist - AI/ML in Biotechnology

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan and life保险

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model with dedicated офис

Ample paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with expertise in AI/ML to advance analytical capabilities across R&D. The role offers a hybrid work model in Pretoria, Gauteng, blending remote work with in-office collaboration.

You will work with complex biological datasets, develop and deploy sophisticated ML models, and mentor junior scientists while driving data-informed decisions and innovation in drug discovery.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Data Scientist with AI/ML in biotech or life sciences.
• Experience in developing and deploying ML models (deep learning, ensembles).
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced ML models for complex biological data.
• Analyze genomic, proteomic, and clinical datasets to identify patterns and insights.
• Collaborate with biologists, chemists, and clinicians to define analytical problems.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines ensuring data quality for AI/ML applications.
• Build predictive models for disease progression, treatment efficacy, and drug candidate success.
• Communicate complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with AI/ML, data science, and bioinformatics advancements.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts.
• Develop and deploy scalable ML solutions in a cloud environment.
• Evaluate model performance and iterate for improvements.
• Contribute to IP development through novel algorithms and applications.

Skills

AI/ML applications

Python or R

TensorFlow / PyTorch / Scikit-learn

Big data (Spark / Hadoop)

Cloud platforms (AWS / Azure / GCP)

Genomics / Bioinformatics data

Data analysis & statistics

Communication skills

Hybrid team collaboration

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science / CS / Statistics / Bioinformatics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

SQL

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the biotechnology sector, is seeking a talented Senior Data Scientist with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This role is crucial for advancing our analytical capabilities and driving data-informed decisions across research and development. The position offers a hybrid work model, combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative benefits of in-office interaction in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA . You will work with complex biological datasets, developing and deploying sophisticated ML models to uncover novel insights, optimize experimental processes, and accelerate drug discovery. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your advanced data science skills in a field with immense potential for societal impact. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models for complex biological data.
• Analyze large-scale genomic, proteomic, and clinical datasets to identify patterns and insights.
• Collaborate with biologists, chemists, and clinicians to define analytical problems and deliver actionable solutions.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines, ensuring data quality and integrity for AI/ML applications.
• Build predictive models for disease progression, treatment efficacy, and drug candidate success.
• Communicate complex findings and methodologies effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI/ML, data science, and bioinformatics.
• Contribute to the development of data governance and best practices within the organization.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts.
• Develop and deploy scalable ML solutions in a cloud environment.
• Evaluate the performance of models and iterate for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through novel algorithms and applications.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on AI/ML applications in biotechnology or life sciences.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, random forests, SVMs).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and associated libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data science workloads.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with large, complex datasets.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a hybrid team.
• Knowledge of biological data types (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• We provide a generous retirement savings plan and life insurance.
• Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, including training programs and conference attendance.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility, with dedicated office space available for collaboration.
• Our client promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers ample paid time off.
• We foster an inclusive and innovative work environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.