Senior Data Scientist - Predictive Modeling

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Health benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist specializing in predictive modeling in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This hybrid role combines in-office collaboration with remote work, enabling deep analytical work and strategic data-driven decisions.

You will lead projects from data exploration to deployment, mentor junior data scientists, and collaborate with engineering to operationalize models. Strong statistical and ML expertise is essential for forecasting and business impact.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science with emphasis on predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries like scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling and ML algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, time series).

Responsibilities

• Develop, deploy, and maintain sophisticated predictive models.
• Analyze large, complex datasets for trends and insights.
• Perform feature engineering and model selection to optimize performance.
• Validate model accuracy, robustness, and generalizability.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering to integrate models into production.
• Stay updated with advances in data science and ML.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.
• Design and run A/B tests to validate hypotheses.

Skills

Python

R

scikit-learn

pandas

NumPy

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Data visualization

communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Statistics/CS/Math

Tools

SQL

Tableau/Matplotlib/Seaborn

Spark/Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the AI & Emerging Technologies sector, is actively seeking a Senior Data Scientist with a specialization in predictive modeling to join their dynamic team in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**. This hybrid role combines the benefits of collaborative in-office work with the flexibility of remote work, fostering an optimal balance for deep analytical tasks. You will be pivotal in leveraging data to drive business decisions, developing sophisticated predictive models, and uncovering actionable insights from complex datasets. Your expertise will directly influence strategic planning and operational improvements for our organization.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will lead critical projects, from data exploration and feature engineering to model development, validation, and deployment. You will work alongside a team of talented data professionals and domain experts, contributing to a culture of innovation and data-driven decision-making. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques in a challenging yet rewarding environment within **Richards Bay**. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of data science and require individuals who are passionate about uncovering patterns and forecasting future trends. The **KwaZulu-Natal** region offers a unique backdrop for this impactful role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and deploy sophisticated predictive models using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Analyze large and complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Perform feature engineering and selection to optimize model performance.
• Validate and test model accuracy, robustness, and generalizability.
• Communicate findings and recommendations effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into production systems.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to validate hypotheses.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of experience in data science, with a strong focus on predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, time series analysis).
• Experience with SQL and working with relational databases.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based incentives and potential bonuses.
• Employees enjoy comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement savings options, and a generous annual leave allowance.
• We support professional growth through training programs, conference attendance, and opportunities for further education.
• The **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal** office provides a modern and collaborative workspace, and the hybrid model offers valuable flexibility.
• We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment where innovation and data-driven insights thrive.