Senior Data Scientist - Financial Markets

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist for a leading financial services client in Centurion, Gauteng. You will leverage advanced analytics, ML, and statistics to drive strategic decisions across financial markets, working with researchers, traders, and leaders to extract deep insights from large datasets.

The role requires a PhD or Master's in a quantitative field, 5+ years of experience in financial data science, and strong Python or R skills (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).

Qualifications

• Ph.D./Master's in a quantitative field required.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on Data Scientist experience in financial markets or quantitative finance.
• Expert proficiency in Python or R (libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Strong experience with SQL and NoSQL databases; production deployment of ML models.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy ML models for algorithmic trading, risk management, fraud detection, and customer analytics.
• Perform data mining, feature engineering, and exploration on large datasets.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into data science solutions.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and processing frameworks.
• Evaluate models, conduct A/B testing, and deploy to production.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

NoSQL

Machine learning

Data mining

Statistical modeling

Communication

Education

PhD in computer science / statistics / mathematics / physics or related quantitative field

Master's degree in quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

NumPy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the financial services sector, is seeking an accomplished Senior Data Scientist to join their sophisticated analytics division in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is central to leveraging advanced data analytics, machine learning, and statistical modeling to drive strategic decision-making and uncover deep insights within complex financial markets. You will work with large-scale datasets, collaborating with quantitative researchers, traders, and business leaders to develop innovative solutions that provide a competitive edge. This position demands a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and a passion for extracting value from data in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and algorithms to solve challenging business problems in areas such as algorithmic trading, risk management, fraud detection, and customer analytics. Perform extensive data mining, feature engineering, and data exploration on diverse datasets. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into data science solutions. Build and maintain data pipelines and processing frameworks for efficient data handling. Evaluate model performance, conduct A/B testing, and implement models into production environments. Communicate complex findings and insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences through reports and presentations. Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing and best practices. Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field. A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant focus on financial markets or quantitative finance. Expert proficiency in Python or R, including libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, and NumPy. Strong experience with SQL and NoSQL databases. Demonstrable experience in building and deploying machine learning models in a production setting. Excellent understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for collaborating within the Centurion, Gauteng office.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package including excellent medical aid, a generous pension fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development. Employees have access to state-of-the-art technology and a supportive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Located in the thriving business hub of Centurion, Gauteng, this role provides direct access to cutting-edge financial markets and significant career advancement opportunities within a respected financial institution.