Specialist Data Scientist

Boardroom Appointments; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks a Specialist Data Scientist for a 3-month contract in Sandton, South Africa. The role involves developing market-making models, optimizing data processes, and implementing machine learning techniques, particularly in financial contexts. Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in data analytics and strong coding skills in Python, as well as a solid understanding of financial derivatives and trading systems. This opportunity offers a chance to work in a dynamic financial environment.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in data analytics, machine learning, and quantitative analysis.
• Hands-on experience with coding in Python and using data visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of financial products, capital markets, derivatives, and treasury operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and optimization of market-making models.
• Conduct back testing and research to improve current models.
• Analyze high-frequency trading data to identify patterns and trends.
• Implement machine learning techniques to predict short-term price movements.

Skills

Machine learning techniques

Data analysis

Python

SQL

AWS

Data visualization tools

Tools

SageMaker

QuickSight

Azure DevOps

ServiceNow

Job description

Specialist Data Scientist - 3 Month Contract

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the development and optimization of market-making models, focusing on equities and equity derivatives.

Conduct back testing and research to improve current models and develop new ones.

Analyze high-frequency trading data to identify patterns and trends.

Implement machine learning techniques, particularly LSTMs and convolutional networks, to predict short-term price movements.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new indicators and models into production environments.

Work with AWS infrastructure, including S3 buckets and SageMaker, for data processing and model training.

Generate and analyze data samples, including time-based and volume-based sampling.

Ensure model robustness by balancing in-sample and out-of-sample results.

Experience

5-7 years of experience in data analytics, machine learning, and quantitative analysis.

5+ years of experience working within global markets.

2+ years of experience within a hedge fund environment.

Proven experience in complex financial systems and applications (e.g., trading platforms, payment systems, risk management systems).

Strong understanding of financial products, capital markets, derivatives, and treasury operations.

Strong understanding of equities and trading.

Hands-on experience with coding in Python and using data visualization tools.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in:

Python 5+ years

SQL 5+ years

AWS (including SageMaker, S3) 5+ years

QuickSight 5+ years

Strong background in:

Machine learning (especially in time series and neural networks)

Statistical and ML techniques

Trading algorithms

Experience with:

High-frequency trading data and market microstructure

Ticketing and change management tools (e.g., Azure DevOps (ADO), ServiceNow)

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with cloud technologies and their application within the financial services sector.

Knowledge of technical indicators and their application in equity markets.

Ability to work with large datasets and perform data normalization.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.