Specialist Data Scientist

Boardroom Appointments; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Specialist Data Scientist for a 3-month contract. The role involves developing market-making models, analyzing high-frequency trading data, and implementing machine learning techniques. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in data analytics, machine learning, and a strong understanding of financial markets.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in data analytics, machine learning, and quantitative analysis.
• 5+ years in global markets and 2+ years in hedge fund environment.
• Strong understanding of financial products and trading.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize market-making models for equities and derivatives.
• Analyze high-frequency trading data to identify patterns.
• Implement machine learning techniques to predict price movements.

Skills

Data analytics

Machine learning

Quantitative analysis

Python

SQL

AWS

Statistical techniques

Trading algorithms

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.

Minimum Requirements

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.