Senior Data Scientist - Insurance Analytics

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist for a leading national insurer. This fully remote role emphasizes building and deploying advanced statistical models and ML algorithms to support pricing, risk, claims, and customer analytics.

You will develop data pipelines, mentor junior scientists, and communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders while staying ahead with the latest data science tools and techniques in a collaborative, remote environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field (CS, stats, math, data science).
• Minimum 5 years as a Data Scientist in insurance/financial services.
• Expertise in statistical modeling and ML (regression, classification, time series, deep learning).
• Proficient in Python or R and libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch.
• Strong SQL and large dataset handling; Spark/Hadoop is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced statistical models and ML algorithms for insurance challenges.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and correlations in pricing, underwriting, claims, and customer behavior.
• Build predictive models for CLV, fraud detection, risk propensity, and claims severity.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and ensure data quality for analytical projects.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders via visualizations/reports.
• Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into analytical solutions.
• Stay current with advancements in data science, ML, and AI; mentor junior data scientists.

Skills

Statistical modeling

ML algorithms

Data wrangling

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

Spark/Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national insurer, is seeking an exceptional Senior Data Scientist to join their advanced analytics team. This is a fully remote role, offering the opportunity to leverage sophisticated data techniques to drive critical business decisions across the organization. You will be responsible for developing and deploying advanced statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques to extract actionable insights from vast datasets. Your work will impact key areas such as pricing, risk assessment, customer segmentation, fraud detection, and claims analysis. We are looking for a highly analytical and innovative individual with a proven ability to translate complex data findings into clear business recommendations. This role is ideal for a self-motivated data scientist who thrives in a remote, collaborative environment and is passionate about harnessing the power of data in the insurance industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms to address business challenges in insurance.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and correlations relevant to pricing, underwriting, claims, and customer behavior.
• Build predictive models for areas such as customer lifetime value, fraud detection, risk propensity, and claims severity.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and ensure data quality for analytical projects.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and insights clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical stakeholders through visualizations and reports.
• Collaborate with business units to understand their data needs and translate them into analytical solutions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Evaluate and recommend new data science tools and technologies.
• Contribute to the development of the company's data strategy and governance.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Data Scientist, with significant experience in the insurance or financial services industry.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, time series analysis, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python or R, and associated libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large datasets, including data manipulation and wrangling.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is advantageous.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers exceptional flexibility and autonomy, eliminating commute time and allowing for a superior work-life balance.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including extensive medical coverage, a generous retirement fund, and ample paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including access to advanced training and conferences, are actively supported.
• You will join a forward-thinking, data-driven team, contributing to strategic initiatives with cutting-edge technologies.
• Work from anywhere while being an integral part of a successful and innovative insurance company based in **Randburg**.