Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan / retirement contribution

Professional development opportunities

Conferences and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist specializing in Machine Learning to join our team in Midrand, Gauteng. You will develop and deploy advanced ML models powering data-driven solutions across multiple domains.

You will tackle complex data challenges, extract actionable insights, and mentor junior data scientists while collaborating with engineers and product managers to deliver high-impact projects.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in CS, stats, mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional data science experience with a strong ML focus.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of ML algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, time series analysis, deep learning).
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement machine learning models to solve business problems across domains.
• Clean, preprocess, and analyze large datasets to identify trends and patterns.
• Evaluate model performance, perform hyperparameter tuning, and optimize algorithms.
• Deploy ML models into production environments and monitor performance over time.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate ML models into existing systems.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with ML, deep learning, and data science advancements.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.
• Develop data pipelines and feature engineering strategies.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

NoSQL

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech company at the forefront of data-driven solutions, is seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist specializing in Machine Learning to join their innovative team in Midrand, Gauteng . This role is critical for developing and deploying advanced machine learning models that power our client's cutting-edge products and services. You will tackle complex data challenges, extract actionable insights, and build robust predictive systems that drive business growth and enhance user experience. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, deep expertise in ML algorithms, and a proven ability to translate data into impactful business outcomes. You will work in a collaborative environment alongside engineers, product managers, and other data scientists, contributing to high-impact projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement machine learning models to solve business problems across various domains.
• Clean, preprocess, and analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends and patterns.
• Evaluate model performance, perform hyperparameter tuning, and optimize algorithms for accuracy and efficiency.
• Deploy machine learning models into production environments and monitor their performance over time.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate ML models into existing systems and applications.
• Communicate complex findings and model results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and data science.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Develop data pipelines and feature engineering strategies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on machine learning.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with ML libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Solid understanding of various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, time series analysis, deep learning).
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent.
• This includes a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement savings contributions, and ample opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs and industry conferences.
• The role in Midrand, Gauteng , offers a stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art technology and a culture that promotes innovation and collaboration.
• You’ll have the chance to work on challenging and rewarding projects that directly impact the company's success, alongside a team of talented and dedicated professionals.