Senior Data Scientist (Machine Learning)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with a strong focus on machine learning to design, develop, and deploy advanced models for fintech applications. This fully remote role supports impactful decisions from anywhere, including Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

You will work on fraud detection, risk assessment, customer segmentation, and algorithmic initiatives. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in data science, deep ML knowledge, and proficiency in Python/R with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science with a significant focus on machine learning.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning models in a production environment.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced ML models and algorithms to address business challenges.
• Collect, clean, and preprocess large datasets from various sources.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify patterns and trends.
• Develop and maintain predictive models for fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer segmentation.
• Evaluate model performance using appropriate metrics and refine models for accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy ML models into production environments.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders through visualizations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Mentoring

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in CS/Statistics/Math/Physics

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Pandas

NumPy

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading fintech company at the forefront of financial innovation, is seeking an accomplished Senior Data Scientist with a strong focus on Machine Learning . This is a fully remote position, enabling you to leverage your advanced analytical skills to drive critical business decisions, even while based remotely from regions like Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . You will be responsible for developing and deploying sophisticated machine learning models that solve complex business problems, optimize processes, and uncover new insights from vast datasets. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding of ML algorithms, hands‑on experience in model implementation, and a passion for extracting value from data. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of financial technology through data-driven innovation in a flexible, remote work setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms to address business challenges.
• Collect, clean, and preprocess large datasets from various sources.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and correlations.
• Develop and maintain predictive models for areas such as fraud detection, risk assessment, customer segmentation, and algorithmic trading.
• Evaluate model performance using appropriate metrics and refine models for optimal accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy ML models into production environments.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders through visualizations and presentations.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in machine learning and data science.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge base.
• Contribute to the definition and execution of the company's data strategy.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on machine learning.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning models in a production environment.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong understanding of various ML techniques, including supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning.
• Experience with SQL and working with large datasets.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts simply.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge machine learning projects in the fintech sector.
• Access to advanced tools, resources, and professional development.
• Be part of a highly skilled and collaborative international team.
• Contribute to impactful solutions that shape the financial industry.