Senior Data Scientist (Big Data Analytics)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA, is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics initiatives. The role focuses on building predictive models, managing data pipelines, and communicating insights to stakeholders across finance and business functions.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in data science, strong Python/R skills, and expertise in Spark, Hadoop, Hive, and ML libraries. This hybrid role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in data science or a similar role.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and SQL.
• Extensive experience with big data technologies like Spark, Hadoop, and Hive.
• Expertise in machine learning libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with the financial industry is a plus for this Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA based role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy sophisticated predictive models and machine learning algorithms.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities.
• Design and implement A/B tests and other experimental frameworks.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into data science solutions.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for ETL processes.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly through reports and presentations.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and adherence to best practices.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in data science and big data technologies.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Education

Master's or PhD in Statistics, CS, Mathematics, Economics, or related field

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

Hive

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services firm in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Data Scientist to lead their big data analytics initiatives. This role is central to extracting actionable insights from vast and complex datasets, driving strategic decision-making across the organization. You will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, deep expertise in programming and big data technologies, and a proven ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage cutting-edge data science methodologies to shape the future of finance in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy sophisticated predictive models and machine learning algorithms.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities.
• Design and implement A/B tests and other experimental frameworks.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into data science solutions.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for efficient data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL).
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly through reports and presentations.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and adherence to best practices.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in data science and big data technologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in data science or a similar role.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and SQL.
• Extensive experience with big data technologies like Spark, Hadoop, and Hive.
• Expertise in machine learning libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with the financial industry is a plus for this **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA** based role.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary package, including a significant annual salary and performance-based incentives. Comprehensive medical aid, a robust retirement fund, and ample paid time off are included. You will have access to advanced analytical tools and platforms, opportunities for professional development, and funding for relevant certifications and conferences. This hybrid role offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation in the heart of **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**.