Senior Lead Data Scientist - AI/ML Innovation

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Data Scientist to helm a team in Randburg, Gauteng, driving AI/ML research, development, and deployment. You will shape data-driven strategies, build end-to-end pipelines, and mentor colleagues to deliver impactful outcomes.

The role demands 8+ years in data science, expertise in Python/R and libraries like TensorFlow/PyTorch, and a track record of translating complex analyses to business success. On-site role with strong cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science with strong focus on AI/ML development and application.
• Proven experience leading data science projects and mentoring teams.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, ML algorithms, and deep learning architectures.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• MLOps experience is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of data scientists in research, development, and deployment of AI/ML models.
• Design end-to-end data science pipelines from data ingestion to model evaluation.
• Develop predictive models and deep learning solutions for business problems.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI/ML for growth and efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering to productionize ML models.
• Communicate findings to senior management and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior data scientists and foster continuous learning.
• Stay updated with AI/ML advancements and evaluate applicability.
• Ensure ethical and responsible use of data and AI.

Skills

Data science leadership

AI/ML development

Team mentorship

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/Statistics/Mathematics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Pandas

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Data Scientist to helm a team in Randburg, Gauteng, driving AI/ML research, development, and deployment. You will shape data-driven strategies, build end-to-end pipelines, and mentor colleagues to deliver impactful outcomes.

The role demands 8+ years in data science, expertise in Python/R and libraries like TensorFlow/PyTorch, and a track record of translating complex analyses to business success. On-site role with strong cross-functional collaboration.