Senior Data Scientist - Lead ML & Insights, Stellenbosch

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics initiatives, develop statistical models, and translate business challenges into data-driven solutions. You will mentor junior data scientists and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization in a dynamic R&D environment.

The role offers exposure to big datasets, cutting-edge tools (Python, R, TensorFlow, Spark), and opportunities to shape the data science function while delivering

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience as a Data Scientist or in a similar analytical role.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and data mining techniques.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, statsmodels.
• Experience with SQL and database management systems.
• Strong data visualization skills using Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib/Seaborn.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to explain complex concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of advanced statistical models and ML algorithms.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop predictive models, clustering, and anomaly detection systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into data science projects.
• Design and execute A/B tests and experiments to validate hypotheses.
• Create data visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster analytical growth.
• Stay current with data science and AI advancements.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and reliability for analysis.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the data science function.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data mining

Python

R

SQL

Data visualization

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD or Master's in Statistics/Math/CS/Economics or related field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Statsmodels

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib/Seaborn

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics initiatives, develop statistical models, and translate business challenges into data-driven solutions. You will mentor junior data scientists and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization in a dynamic R&D environment.

The role offers exposure to big datasets, cutting-edge tools (Python, R, TensorFlow, Spark), and opportunities to shape the data science function while delivering