Senior Data Scientist - FinTech

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Stock options

Remote work with flexible hours

Health benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics initiatives in a fully remote role. You will design and deploy ML models for fraud detection, credit scoring, and customer segmentation while mentoring junior staff.

The role requires a PhD or Master's in a quantitative field, 5+ years in data science, and strong Python/SQL skills. You will work with product, engineering, and BI teams in a fast-paced FinTech environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on machine learning and AI in a commercial setting.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python (with libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and SQL.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of experimental design and A/B testing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts effectively.
• Experience in the FinTech or financial services industry is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to thrive in a remote, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy sophisticated machine learning models and algorithms to address business challenges in areas such as fraud detection, credit scoring, customer segmentation, and algorithmic trading.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform strategic decisions and product development.
• Develop and implement A/B testing frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of models and strategies.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into data science solutions.
• Build robust data pipelines and ensure the quality and integrity of data used for analysis and model training.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences through visualizations and presentations.
• Stay at the forefront of data science and AI research, exploring and implementing new techniques and technologies.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to the development of the company's data strategy and data governance practices.
• Champion a data-centric culture throughout the organization.

Skills

Python

SQL

Machine learning

Big data

Cloud

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering FinTech company, is seeking an exceptional Senior Data Scientist to lead innovative projects and drive data-driven decision-making. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere. The successful candidate will leverage advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI techniques to extract actionable insights from complex financial datasets. You will play a pivotal role in developing predictive models, optimizing algorithms, and shaping the future of our financial products and services. This role requires a deep understanding of data science principles, proficiency in programming, and a passion for tackling challenging problems in the FinTech space. We are looking for a thought leader who can mentor junior data scientists and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product, engineering, and business intelligence. Join a dynamic, fast-paced environment and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in financial technology. The spirit of innovation from places like Upington, Northern Cape fuels our drive, even as we operate remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy sophisticated machine learning models and algorithms to address business challenges in areas such as fraud detection, credit scoring, customer segmentation, and algorithmic trading.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform strategic decisions and product development.
• Develop and implement A/B testing frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of models and strategies.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into data science solutions.
• Build robust data pipelines and ensure the quality and integrity of data used for analysis and model training.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences through visualizations and presentations.
• Stay at the forefront of data science and AI research, exploring and implementing new techniques and technologies.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to the development of the company's data strategy and data governance practices.
• Champion a data-centric culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on machine learning and AI in a commercial setting.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python (with libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) and SQL.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of experimental design and A/B testing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts effectively.
• Experience in the FinTech or financial services industry is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to thrive in a remote, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous stock options or equity grants.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility in working hours.
• Opportunities to work on impactful projects at the forefront of FinTech innovation.
• Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and certifications.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work culture.
• Cutting-edge technology stack and tools.
• Potential for rapid career advancement in a high-growth company.