Specialist Data Scientist

Paracon; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the financial sector is seeking a Specialist Data Scientist to join their Global Markets Data Analytics team. This role focuses on developing innovative models and utilizing machine learning to enhance trading performance. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in data analysis and finance, contributing to actionable insights across various departments. Candidates should have a proven track record in quantitative analysis and be well-versed in financial systems, with robust programming skills in Python and cloud-based solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years in data analytics or quantitative analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial products and capital markets.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, with knowledge of AWS and ML techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating market-making models for equities.
• Conduct backtesting and research for model enhancement.
• Apply ML techniques to predict price movements.

Skills

Data Analysis

Machine Learning

Quantitative Analysis

Statistical Techniques

AWS

Python

SQL

Trading Algorithms

Job description

Are you a quantitative wizard with a passion for financial markets and a knack for machine learning? We're looking for a talented Specialist Data Scientist to join our dynamic Global Markets Data Analytics department. Be at the forefront of innovation, enhancing data quality and analytics capabilities to drive actionable insights across Sales, Trading, and IT.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation and refinement of market-making models for equities and equity derivatives.
• Conduct rigorous backtesting and research to enhance existing models and pioneer new ones.
• Extract valuable insights from complex high-frequency trading data.
• Apply cutting-edge ML techniques (LSTMs, CNNs) to predict short-term price movements.
• Work with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate new models into production.
• : Utilize AWS services like S3 and SageMaker for data processing and model training.
• Generate and analyze data samples, including time-based and volume-based methods.
• Balance in-sample and out-sample results to guarantee model stability and performance.
• Expanding the universe of stocks traded by our current algorithms.
• Creating innovative new algorithms and updating existing sell-side/trader algorithms for market making.
• Incorporating novel trading indicators and market trends into current models.
• Developing stationary indicators for precise price movement prediction.
• Collaborating with the data analytics team to continuously optimize model performance.

Qualification

• Experience: Minimum 5-7 years in data analytics, machine learning, or quantitative analysis, with proven experience in complex financial systems (trading platforms, risk management).
• Financial Expertise: Strong understanding of financial products, capital markets, derivatives, treasury operations, and deep knowledge of Equities and trading.
• Technical Prowess:Proficiency in Python (5+ years hands-on coding) and data visualization tools.
• Must have experience with Machine Learning, particularly time series analysis and neural networks.
• Must have knowledge of Market Microstructure and experience with high-frequency trading data.
• Proficiency in SQL and AWS (especially SageMaker) with 5+ years of experience working with databases for data analysis.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies in financial services.
• Knowledge of statistical and ML techniques.
• Experience with ticketing systems (e.g., Azure DevOps, ServiceNow) and change management tools.
• 5+ years within global markets.
• Proficiency in trading algorithms.
• 2+ years of experience within a hedge fund (preferred).
• Strong ability to troubleshoot complex issues in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.