Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join the Johannesburg R&D team. You will tackle complex scientific questions with advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and ML to drive data-driven decisions across projects.

The role requires 5+ years in data science, strong Python/R skills, and experience with big data tools. You will collaborate with scientists, develop pipelines, and contribute to cutting-edge research in Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on data science experience with ML and statistical modeling in R&D.
• Proficiency in Python (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) or R.
• Experience with Spark/Hadoop and database management (SQL, NoSQL).
• Strong stats, experimental design, hypothesis testing, and model deployment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement machine learning models and analyses for complex scientific questions.
• Clean and transform large, heterogeneous datasets for research use.
• Collaborate with scientists to translate data needs into solutions.
• Build data pipelines for model training, evaluation, and deployment.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify trends and insights.
• Stay updated on data science advancements and assess impact.
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster data science culture.
• Ensure governance and ethical data handling.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Big Data

R

SQL

Cloud AWS

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/Stats/Math/Physics

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

SQL

NoSQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in scientific innovation, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Data Scientist to join their dynamic research and development team in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves tackling complex scientific challenges through advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms. You will be instrumental in driving data-driven decision-making across various research projects, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in our field. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a passion for translating intricate datasets into actionable insights. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with a team of world-class scientists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement sophisticated machine learning models and statistical analyses to address complex scientific questions.
• Process, clean, and transform large, heterogeneous datasets from diverse sources, ensuring data integrity and accuracy for research purposes.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists and domain experts to understand their data needs and translate them into effective analytical solutions.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines for model training, evaluation, and deployment in a research environment.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies that can inform research hypotheses and strategies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and evaluate their potential application to our ongoing research initiatives.
• Communicate complex findings and methodologies clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports and presentations.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to building a strong data science culture within the organization.
• Ensure compliance with data governance and ethical guidelines throughout the research process.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in data science, with a strong focus on machine learning and statistical modeling in a research or R&D setting.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (with libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) or R.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and database management (SQL, NoSQL).
• Strong understanding of statistical principles, experimental design, and hypothesis testing.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deploy machine learning models into production or research environments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience in the scientific research sector is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for continuous professional development. Employees have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and can participate in leading scientific conferences. This role is based in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, offering a stimulating work environment and the chance to make a significant impact on scientific progress. We provide a supportive and collaborative culture that encourages innovation and learning, fostering career growth within our esteemed organization. Additional benefits include retirement fund contributions and paid time off.