Senior Data Scientist - AI/ML Specialization

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Stellenbosch location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist for a hybrid role in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will design and deploy advanced ML models, work with Python/R, and collaborate with clients to turn data into strategic insights.

You'll mentor juniors, maintain data pipelines, evaluate models, and stay current with AI research while contributing to a vibrant tech ecosystem in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years hands‑on experience in data science, with a strong focus on building and deploying ML models.
• Proficiency in Python or R, including experience with relevant libraries (e.g., Scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and evaluation metrics.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms for various business problems.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop predictive models, including classification, regression, clustering, and deep learning models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into data science problems.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and ensure data quality for model training and deployment.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI research.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Deploy machine learning models into production environments, working closely with MLOps engineers.
• Evaluate and validate model performance, iterating as necessary to improve accuracy and effectiveness.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

ML algorithms

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science / related field

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

Pandas

NumPy

Tableau

Matplotlib

Seaborn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned data analytics and AI consultancy based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Data Scientist with a strong specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This role is instrumental in developing and deploying sophisticated predictive models and AI-driven solutions for a diverse range of clients. You will leverage your expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization to extract actionable insights and drive business value. The role operates on a hybrid model, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration in Stellenbosch and remote flexibility. This is a prime opportunity for a talented data scientist to contribute to impactful projects and advance their career in a vibrant academic and technological hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms for various business problems.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop predictive models, including classification, regression, clustering, and deep learning models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into data science problems.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and ensure data quality for model training and deployment.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI research.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Deploy machine learning models into production environments, working closely with MLOps engineers.
• Evaluate and validate model performance, iterating as necessary to improve accuracy and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in data science, with a strong focus on building and deploying ML models.
• Proficiency in Python or R, including experience with relevant libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and evaluation metrics.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and paid time off.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance in Stellenbosch.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility for employees.
• We foster a collaborative and innovative work culture, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the dynamic tech ecosystem of the Western Cape.