Senior Data Scientist (Remote)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Remote work flexibility

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Senior Data Scientist for a fully remote role. You will analyze large datasets, build predictive models, and drive data-driven decision making across the organization. You will need expertise in Python or R, ML, and a strong financial industry understanding.

You will mentor junior data scientists, collaborate with product and engineering teams, and help shape the data strategy while delivering actionable insights to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master\'s in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in data science, ML, or statistical modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas).
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and ML techniques; data mining principles.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and ML algorithms to solve complex business problems.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights for financial products and customer behavior.
• Develop and deploy predictive models for fraud detection, churn, risk assessment, and personalized recommendations.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into DS solutions.
• Communicate complex analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evaluate and implement new DS technologies and methodologies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to team growth.
• Ensure data quality, accuracy, and integrity of model outputs.
• Contribute to the company\'s data strategy and roadmap.
• Perform ad-hoc data analysis and reporting as required.

Skills

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

Tableau

Matplotlib

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

Education

PhD or Master\'s in a quantitative field

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

SQL databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering FinTech company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa. You will be instrumental in leveraging large datasets to extract actionable insights, build predictive models, and drive data-driven decision-making across the organization. This role requires a strong blend of statistical expertise, machine learning proficiency, and deep understanding of the financial industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms to solve complex business problems.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights relevant to financial products and customer behavior.
• Develop and deploy predictive models for areas such as fraud detection, customer churn, risk assessment, and personalized recommendations.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into data science solutions.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evaluate and implement new data science technologies and methodologies.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and integrity of data analysis and model outputs.
• Contribute to the development of the company's data strategy and roadmap.
• Perform ad-hoc data analysis and reporting as required.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science, machine learning, or statistical modeling.
• Proven expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas).
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods, machine learning techniques, and data mining principles.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.
• Experience in the financial services or FinTech industry is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Matplotlib) is a plus.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy significant flexibility and work-life balance. Our client invests in employee development, providing access to cutting-edge tools, training, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading FinTech organization based in Randburg, Gauteng. Join a team at the forefront of financial innovation.