Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning & AI

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Stock options

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Paid time off

Professional development

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24, a client of ours, seeks a Senior Data Scientist to advance ML/AI solutions in a sustainability-focused setting. You will build predictive models, perform in-depth data analyses, and translate insights into actionable recommendations, with remote work anchored to Richards Bay operations.

The role requires a PhD/masters in a quantitative field, 5+ years in data science, and strong Python or R skills plus SQL and big data experience.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field such as CS, statistics, or math.
• 5+ years of professional data science experience with ML/AI focus.
• Proficient in Python or R with common ML libraries.
• Experience with SQL and large datasets; exposure to big data tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and monitor ML models for prediction, classification, and anomaly detection.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to reveal trends and insights from large datasets.
• Design and run A/B tests to measure model impact.
• Collaborate with data engineers to put models into production.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with ML/AI advances and data science best practices.
• Mentor junior data scientists and share knowledge.
• Contribute to defining the data science strategy and initiatives.
• Create data visualizations and dashboards to present key insights.

Skills

Machine Learning

Python

R

SQL

Big data

Model deployment

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/Statistics/Math

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is seeking an exceptional Senior Data Scientist to join their innovative research and development team. This role is focused on leveraging advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to solve complex business problems, optimize operations, and drive strategic decision-making. You will be instrumental in developing predictive models, performing in-depth data analysis, and translating data-driven insights into actionable recommendations. The ideal candidate has a strong academic background and proven experience in applying ML/AI to real-world challenges. This is a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects within the sustainability sector, remotely based but with strong ties to the operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy sophisticated machine learning models for prediction, classification, and anomaly detection.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights from large, complex datasets.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Collaborate with data engineers and software developers to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in machine learning, AI, and data science methodologies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Contribute to the definition and strategy of the company's data science initiatives.
• Develop data visualizations and dashboards to present key insights.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on machine learning and AI.
• Proficiency in Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large datasets.
• Demonstrated experience in feature engineering, model selection, and evaluation.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience deploying machine learning models into production environments.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance bonuses and stock options.
• Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning assistance, and generous paid time off.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training.
• This is a fully remote position, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of sustainable technology and make a tangible impact on the future.