Senior Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Conference opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Mossel Bay to lead predictive analytics and ML initiatives. You will build models, conduct rigorous analyses, and partner with cross-functional teams to drive strategic decisions.

The role demands a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field, 5+ years in data science, and strong Python/R skills. Expect a hybrid work setup with opportunities for professional growth in a data-centric organization.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in data science, with a focus on predictive modeling and machine learning.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas and NumPy.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with relational databases.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
• Advanced data visualization skills (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for non-technical audiences.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning models for prediction, classification, and clustering.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies.
• Design and execute A/B tests and experiments to validate hypotheses.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into production systems.
• Communicate findings clearly to business stakeholders via visualizations and reports.
• Stay current with the latest research in data science and ML.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's growth.
• Identify opportunities for data-driven business value.
• Ensure ethical and responsible use of data and models.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Data visualization

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

NumPy

SQL

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in data-driven business intelligence based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking an accomplished Senior Data Scientist to spearhead their predictive analytics initiatives. This role involves leveraging advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to uncover insights, build predictive models, and drive strategic decision-making. You will work with large, complex datasets, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong academic background, extensive practical experience in data science, and a passion for solving challenging business problems. This is a key role within a rapidly growing organization in Mossel Bay, offering significant opportunities for impact and career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sophisticated machine learning models for prediction, classification, and clustering.
• Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in large datasets.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to validate hypotheses.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into production systems.
• Communicate complex findings and insights clearly to business stakeholders through visualizations and reports.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in data science and machine learning.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Identify new opportunities for leveraging data to drive business value.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and models.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in data science, with a focus on predictive modeling and machine learning.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with relational databases.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
• Excellent data visualization skills (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement, and other benefits.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and attending conferences.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between office and remote work.
• Significant influence on data strategy and product development.
• Work in a stimulating environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.
• Collaborate with a team of experts in a data-centric organization.