Senior Data Scientist - AI Model Development

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonus

Training & conferences

Travel allowance

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is recruiting for a Senior Data Scientist to lead AI model development for our client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will oversee end-to-end ML projects, from data exploration to deployment, and mentor junior data scientists.

The role requires 5+ years in DS/ML, strong Python or R skills, and experience with cloud platforms and big data tools. Port Elizabeth-based position with opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Data Scientist or ML Engineer, focusing on model development.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R with data science libraries (pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy).
• Solid experience with SQL and relational databases.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement predictive models and ML algorithms.
• Perform data exploration, cleaning, and feature engineering on large datasets.
• Evaluate and validate model performance for robustness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into DS requirements.
• Deploy models to production and monitor performance over time.
• Stay current with AI advances and communicate findings clearly.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.
• Develop and maintain documentation for DS projects and models.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI to drive business value.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Cloud Platforms

Spark

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

Master's degree

PhD in related field

Tools

Pandas

scikit-learn

NumPy

Job description

About the Role WhatJobs Direct is recruiting for a Senior Data Scientist with a strong focus on AI model development for our client in **Port Elizabeth**. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that is at the forefront of applying advanced AI techniques to solve complex business problems. You will be responsible for the end-to-end development of machine learning models, from data exploration and feature engineering to model training, validation, and deployment. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in data science, a deep understanding of statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms, and a passion for innovation. This role is based in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape**, offering a chance to make a tangible impact within a leading AI and Emerging Technologies firm. We are looking for a proactive and analytical individual eager to contribute to high-impact projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement predictive models and machine learning algorithms using statistical and data mining techniques.
• Perform data exploration, cleaning, and feature engineering on large, complex datasets.
• Evaluate and validate model performance, ensuring robustness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into data science requirements.
• Deploy models into production environments and monitor their performance over time.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Communicate complex findings and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Develop and maintain documentation for data science projects and models.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and machine learning to drive business value.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Data Scientist or ML Engineer, with a focus on model development.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R, and experience with data science libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy).
• Solid experience with SQL and working with relational databases.
• Demonstrated experience with machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their data science services is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a **Port Elizabeth**-based environment.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark) is desirable.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions, and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees receive ample opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs, workshops, and conferences.
• The company fosters a dynamic work culture in **Port Elizabeth** with regular team events and a focus on work-life balance.
• You will have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies to support your work.
• Additional benefits include a travel allowance for business needs and wellness initiatives.
• Join our client and contribute to impactful AI-driven solutions.