Senior Data Scientist - Algorithmic Trading

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,992,000 - 2,988,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Remote work flexibility

Advanced infrastructure

Health & wellness

Professional growth

Collaborative culture

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with a specialization in algorithmic trading. You will design, develop, and deploy advanced ML models powering high-frequency trading strategies in a remote-first setup.

You will collaborate with quantitative researchers and software engineers, access vast datasets and cutting-edge infrastructure, and translate complex data into actionable trading insights while mentoring junior data scientists.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science with a significant focus on financial markets and algorithmic trading.
• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with statistical modeling, time series analysis, and ML algorithms.
• Familiarity with financial data sources, market microstructure, and trading strategies.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark) and SQL databases.
• Excellent problem-solving and scientific approach to analysis.
• Strong communication and remote-team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine ML models for predictive analytics and algorithmic trading.
• Analyze large-scale financial market data to identify patterns and opportunities.
• Develop and optimize trading algorithms and backtest rigorously.
• Collaborate with quantitative researchers, software engineers, and portfolio managers in a remote setting.
• Build and maintain data processing pipelines for real-time trading systems.
• Research new DS techniques and financial modeling approaches.
• Monitor deployed algorithms and adjust as needed.
• Present findings and strategy recommendations to stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to knowledge base.

Skills

Data science

Financial markets

Remote work

Problem solving

Education

MSc or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

Pandas/NumPy/Scikit-learn

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Spark

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering financial technology firm seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist with a specialization in algorithmic trading. This position is a fully remote opportunity, allowing you to leverage your expertise from anywhere. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated machine learning models and algorithms that power our high-frequency trading strategies. Working within a collaborative, distributed team, you'll have access to vast datasets and cutting-edge infrastructure. We pride ourselves on a remote-first culture that empowers employees with autonomy and flexibility, while ensuring seamless collaboration through advanced communication tools. This role demands a blend of deep technical proficiency in data science and machine learning, a strong understanding of financial markets, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable trading insights. The ideal candidate will be passionate about innovation and driven to push the boundaries of what's possible in quantitative finance. While the role can be performed remotely, understanding the financial landscape of George, Western Cape, ZA provides context for our operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine machine learning models for predictive analytics and algorithmic trading.
• Analyze large-scale financial market data to identify patterns, anomalies, and trading opportunities.
• Develop and optimize trading algorithms, backtesting them rigorously.
• Collaborate closely with quantitative researchers, software engineers, and portfolio managers in a remote setting.
• Build and maintain data processing pipelines for real-time trading systems.
• Conduct thorough research on new data science techniques and financial modeling approaches.
• Monitor the performance of deployed trading algorithms and systems, making necessary adjustments.
• Present findings and strategy recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Contribute to the team's knowledge base and mentor junior data scientists.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on financial markets and algorithmic trading.
• Proficiency in Python, including libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Strong experience with statistical modeling, time series analysis, and machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, reinforcement learning).
• Familiarity with financial data sources, market microstructure, and trading strategies.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark) and SQL databases.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a rigorous, scientific approach to analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, effective in a remote team environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Remote work flexibility with a focus on work-life balance.
• Access to advanced technological infrastructure and research resources.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Retirement fund contributions.