Senior Data Scientist (Machine Learning Focus)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Mossel Bay office location

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid holidays

Learning and conference opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to lead ML initiatives and deliver data-driven products. You will design, train, and deploy predictive models on large datasets, collaborating with data engineers and software teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Master's/PhD in a quantitative field with 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Python or R, and expertise in ML algorithms, model evaluation, and cloud ML services. Hybrid work and strong benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field (Data Science, CS, Stats, Math)
• 5+ years of professional data science experience with a focus on ML
• Proficient in Python or R with ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Pandas, Num)
• Strong experience with data manipulation and analysis tools
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms (regression, trees, RF, SVM, neural nets, NLP)
• Experience with model evaluation metrics and techniques
• Familiarity with Spark/Hadoop is a plus
• SQL for data extraction/manipulation
• Knowledge of cloud ML services (AWS/Azure/GCP) desirable
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy ML models for prediction, classification, clustering, and anomaly detection.
• Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends, patterns, and insights within large datasets.
• Clean, transform, and preprocess complex datasets to prepare them for modeling.
• Evaluate and compare different ML algorithms to determine the most effective solutions.
• Collaborate with data engineers and software developers to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in ML and data science.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing.
• Develop and maintain documentation for models, methodologies, and processes.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and AI models.
• Optimize model performance and scalability for production environments.

Skills

Python/R, ML libraries

Data manipulation

ML algorithms knowledge

Model evaluation

SQL

Cloud ML services

Big data (Spark/Hadoop)

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/related

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in financial technology, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist with a strong specialization in Machine Learning to join their growing team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage vast datasets to develop predictive models, drive business insights, and create cutting-edge data-driven products. You will work at the forefront of data science, applying advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to solve complex business problems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of ML algorithms, data manipulation, and model deployment. This position is based in our client's modern offices located in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay , offering a stimulating work environment combined with the lifestyle benefits of the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy machine learning models for various applications, including prediction, classification, clustering, and anomaly detection.
• Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends, patterns, and insights within large datasets.
• Clean, transform, and preprocess complex datasets to prepare them for modeling.
• Evaluate and compare different machine learning algorithms and techniques to determine the most effective solutions.
• Collaborate with data engineers and software developers to integrate ML models into production systems.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• 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 sharing.
• Develop and maintain documentation for models, methodologies, and processes.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and AI models.
• Optimize model performance and scalability for production environments.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science, with a significant focus on machine learning.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Pandas, Num).
• Strong experience with data manipulation and analysis tools.
• Deep understanding of various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, decision trees, random forests, SVM, neural networks, NLP).
• Experience with model evaluation metrics and techniques.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their ML services is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary between R .
• Hybrid work model combining office and remote work flexibility.
• Prime office location in Mossel Bay with beautiful surroundings.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous vacation policy and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, workshops, and conference attendance.
• Collaborative team environment with opportunities for impactful contributions.
• Retirement savings plan and other employee perks.