Senior Machine Learning Scientist - Data Mining & Analytics

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Global health insurance

Professional development budget

Flexible remote-first work

Upington anchor support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Scientist to extract insights from large datasets, build predictive models, and develop AI solutions. This role is remote-first with an administrative anchor in Upington, Northern Cape, enabling collaboration with local stakeholders while maintaining flexibility.

You will mentor junior data scientists, design data pipelines, and ensure data quality and ethical handling while staying current with ML advances and visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Apply data mining techniques to discover patterns, trends, and insights from large and complex datasets.
• Develop, train, and evaluate predictive and descriptive machine learning models.
• Design and implement data analysis pipelines for various business use cases.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data needs and translate them into analytical solutions.
• Create compelling data visualizations and reports to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data mining, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, providing technical guidance.
• Contribute to the development of data strategy and best practices within the organization.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging data to improve products, services, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and ethical usage throughout the analytical process.

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading entity in the AI & Emerging Technologies sector, is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Scientist with a strong background in Data Mining and Analytics. This role, based remotely but with an administrative anchor in **Upington, Northern Cape**, focuses on extracting actionable insights from vast datasets to drive business decisions and develop innovative AI solutions. You will be instrumental in designing and implementing sophisticated data mining techniques, building predictive models, and uncovering patterns that inform strategy and product development. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization. This is an excellent opportunity to work on challenging projects, contribute to significant data-driven advancements, and collaborate with a talented team of scientists and engineers. You will play a key role in unlocking the value hidden within data, transforming raw information into strategic assets. The **Upington, Northern Cape** location connects this role to a region increasingly focused on technological development and data-driven initiatives. Our client is committed to fostering a remote-first culture that empowers individuals to excel and contribute meaningfully.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply data mining techniques to discover patterns, trends, and insights from large and complex datasets.
• Develop, train, and evaluate predictive and descriptive machine learning models.
• Design and implement data analysis pipelines for various business use cases.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data needs and translate them into analytical solutions.
• Create compelling data visualizations and reports to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data mining, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, providing technical guidance.
• Contribute to the development of data strategy and best practices within the organization.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging data to improve products, services, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and ethical usage throughout the analytical process.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science or machine learning, with a strong specialization (5+ years) in data mining and analytics.
• Proven experience in applying statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms to real-world problems.
• Expertise in data mining techniques (e.g., clustering, classification, association rule mining, anomaly detection).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, with proficiency in libraries like Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, and data visualization tools (e.g., Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex findings clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting, demonstrating strong self-discipline and collaboration skills.
• Understanding of data governance and ethical data handling principles.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary and includes a performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees have access to comprehensive global health insurance, mental wellness programs, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• A generous budget is allocated for professional development, covering advanced training, certifications, and attendance at leading data science conferences.
• The role provides significant autonomy and flexibility, promoting an excellent work-life balance.
• Our client is committed to supporting remote employees with resources and tools to ensure productivity and well-being.