Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning for Finance - Remote

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Home office stipend

Health insurance

Learning opportunities

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist specialized in Machine Learning for Finance. This fully remote role offers the chance to develop sophisticated financial models and predictive analytics, driving innovation and better decision-making.

You will lead model design, data processing, and collaboration across teams to deploy ML in production. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in data science with finance exposure, strong Python or R skills, and experience with SQL and ML frameworks.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on data science and ML experience with financial applications.
• Proficiency in Python or R with ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong SQL and experience with large-scale databases.
• Deep knowledge of ML algorithms and their applications; Spark/Hadoop is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy ML models for finance-related applications (fraud, credit scoring, trading, risk).
• Prepare and analyze large financial datasets from diverse sources.
• Evaluate models, test rigorously, and iterate to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineers and product managers to productionize ML solutions.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to best practices.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Communication

Education

PhD in a quantitative field

Master's in a quantitative field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Pandas

NumPy

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge fintech company within the Banking & Finance ecosystem, is looking for a highly accomplished Senior Data Scientist specializing in Machine Learning for Finance . This is a fully remote position, offering you the opportunity to work from anywhere while contributing to sophisticated financial modeling and predictive analytics projects. You will be at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced machine learning models to solve complex financial challenges, drive innovation, and enhance decision-making processes. This role demands a deep understanding of statistical modeling, programming, and the unique complexities of financial markets. We foster a collaborative remote culture where innovative ideas are encouraged and rewarded, empowering you to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models for applications such as fraud detection, credit scoring, algorithmic trading, risk management, and customer churn prediction.
• Clean, process, and analyze large, complex datasets from various financial sources.
• Evaluate model performance, perform rigorous testing, and iterate on models to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with software engineers and product managers to integrate machine learning solutions into production systems.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for data-driven insights.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science, particularly within the financial domain.
• Communicate complex technical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Develop data pipelines and contribute to the improvement of data infrastructure for scalability and performance.
• Champion data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in data science and machine learning, with a significant focus on financial applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large-scale databases.
• Deep understanding of various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning) and their applications.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Proven ability to translate business problems into data science solutions.
• Excellent analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fully remote team environment.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, stock options, and performance-based bonuses.
• Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement, with a generous home office stipend and support for remote work setup.
• We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, attending leading industry conferences, and pursuing further academic or professional development are actively encouraged.
• You will be part of an innovative and collaborative team working on challenging problems that shape the future of finance, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.