Senior Data Scientist - Machine Learning Models

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work environment

Training & conferences

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to lead the development of machine learning models and predictive analytics. You will explore data, engineer features, and validate models, translating business needs into data solutions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with data engineers and business stakeholders, mentoring juniors, and deploying models to production. A strong background in statistics and ML, with Python or R, is required.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Statistics, CS, Mathematics, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data science and ML.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling and ML algorithms and metrics.
• Experience with Spark/Hadoop and SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement ML models to address business problems.
• Perform data wrangling and exploratory data analysis.
• Evaluate modeling techniques and select best methods.
• Deploy models to production and monitor performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to knowledge base.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

ML algorithms

Data wrangling

Big data

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

NoSQL

Communication

Presentation

Education

Master's degree in Statistics/CS/Math

PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

NoSQL

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent player in AI & Emerging Technologies, is seeking an accomplished Senior Data Scientist to join their innovative team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is central to leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to extract actionable insights from complex datasets and build predictive models that drive business decisions. You will work on challenging projects, from data exploration and feature engineering to model development, validation, and deployment. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong analytical aptitude, deep expertise in statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms, and a passion for solving real-world problems using data. You will collaborate with a talented group of data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders in a dynamic and collaborative environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful projects and grow your career in a leading technology firm located in Nelspruit .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement machine learning models to address business challenges and opportunities.
• Perform complex data analysis, including data wrangling, feature engineering, and exploratory data analysis.
• Evaluate and compare different modeling techniques, selecting the most appropriate ones for specific problems.
• Deploy models into production environments and monitor their performance over time.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into data science solutions.
• Communicate findings, insights, and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's knowledge base.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in data science and machine learning.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning), and evaluation metrics.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and database systems (SQL/NoSQL).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and ample paid time off.
• We provide a supportive hybrid work environment, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including training, certifications, and conference attendance, are readily available.
• This role is based in our Nelspruit office, offering a chance to work on exciting AI projects and advance your career in a thriving tech sector.