Senior Data Scientist, Machine Learning Innovation

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous annual leave

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Flexible working

Bonuses

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join its R&D team in Johannesburg. You will build and deploy advanced ML models, explore diverse datasets, and drive data-driven insights across the organization.

The role requires a strong background in ML, statistics, and programming with Python or R, plus cloud and big data experience. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentoring juniors are key aspects.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field (CS/STAT/MATH/PHYS) required.
• Minimum 5 years of data science experience focused on ML and statistical modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with large datasets.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and big data tools (Spark/Hadoop) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy ML models for predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and anomaly detection.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for business improvement.
• Collaborate with engineers, domain experts, and product managers to define project scope and deliver results.
• Design experiments to validate model performance and identify optimization areas.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the data science community.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/Statistics/Math/Physics

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

SQL

AWS

Azure

GCP

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in pioneering scientific advancements, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Data Scientist to join their dynamic research and development team in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects that leverage complex data to drive innovation and solve real-world challenges. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's technological landscape by applying advanced machine learning techniques and statistical modeling. The ideal candidate is passionate about data, possesses exceptional analytical skills, and thrives in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. This role offers a unique chance to work with diverse datasets and influence strategic decisions through data-driven insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy sophisticated machine learning models for predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and anomaly detection.
• Conduct in-depth exploratory data analysis to identify trends, insights, and opportunities for business improvement.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, domain experts, and product managers, to define project scope and deliver actionable results.
• Design and execute experiments to validate model performance and identify areas for optimization.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and apply them to enhance existing methodologies.
• Communicate complex findings and technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through reports and presentations.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the growth of the data science community within the organization.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven track record of at least 5 years in data science, with a strong focus on machine learning and statistical modeling.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Extensive experience with SQL and working with large, complex datasets.
• Solid understanding of various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning) and their practical applications.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits program.
• This includes private health insurance, a generous annual leave allowance, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Employees also have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and can participate in industry conferences.
• The company fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that values innovation and employee well-being.
• Flexible working arrangements are available, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.
• Performance-based bonuses and retirement savings plans are also part of the attractive compensation structure for this role in Johannesburg.