Senior Data Scientist - Insurance Analytics

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Flexible hours

Professional development

Conferences

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Data Scientist for our client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Design, develop and deploy predictive models for risk, fraud, churn and claims analysis using Python/R and ML tools.

Collaborate with actuarial, underwriting, and marketing to translate data into actionable strategies to improve decision making. The role requires 5+ years of experience, advanced degree, and strong data visualization and cloud skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Data Scientist with a strong focus on predictive modeling.
• Proven experience in the insurance industry is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with SQL and large relational databases.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies is a plus.
• Must be able to work effectively in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy advanced statistical and ML models for pricing, fraud, churn, and CLV.
• Process and analyze large, complex datasets from multiple sources.
• Design and run A/B tests to measure impact.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into DS solutions.
• Create data visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings.
• Stay up-to-date with DS/AI advancements and best practices.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share knowledge.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for training and deployment.
• Ensure ethical and responsible use of data and algorithms.
• Document methodologies, code, and results.

Skills

Data science experience

Predictive modeling

Python/R

SQL

Statistics

Data visualization

Cloud platforms

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

NumPy

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in the insurance industry, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist to join their analytics team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to drive business insights, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated predictive models for areas such as risk assessment, fraud detection, customer segmentation, and claims analysis. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in statistical modeling, machine learning, data mining, and experience with large datasets within the insurance domain. This position offers a stimulating environment for data enthusiasts looking to make a significant impact. Working in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including actuarial, underwriting, and marketing, to translate complex data into actionable strategies. Your expertise will be key to unlocking new opportunities and improving decision-making across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced statistical and machine learning models to address key business challenges in insurance (e.g., pricing, fraud, churn prediction, customer lifetime value).
• Clean, process, and analyze large, complex datasets from various sources to extract meaningful insights.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Develop data visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Build and maintain robust data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and algorithms.
• Document methodologies, code, and results thoroughly.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on predictive modeling and machine learning.
• Proven experience in the insurance industry is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, and associated data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with SQL and working with large relational databases.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and machine learning algorithms.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies is a plus.
• Must be able to work effectively in our Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape office.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional development, conferences, and further education.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and data infrastructure.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• The chance to work on challenging and impactful data science projects.
• Employee wellness programs and initiatives.
• Potential for career progression within a growing analytics team.