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Lead Data Scientist - AI & Machine Learning Research

Remote / Online - Candidates ideally in
Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Listing for: Placements24
Remote/Work from Home position
Listed on 2026-10-18
Job specializations:
  • IT/Tech
    Machine Learning/ ML Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer (Applied/Software), AI Business & Operations
Job Description & How to Apply Below
About the Role

What Jobs Direct is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Data Scientist to spearhead our cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning research initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering a unique opportunity to work with a global team of brilliant minds on groundbreaking projects. You will be instrumental in defining the strategic direction of our AI/ML efforts, leading a team of talented data scientists, and driving the development of novel algorithms and predictive models.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding coupled with extensive practical experience in applying advanced statistical and computational techniques to solve complex real-world problems. Your work will directly impact the future of our product offerings and competitive edge. We are looking for a thought leader who thrives in a dynamic, research-oriented, and fully remote environment, capable of translating complex scientific concepts into actionable insights and scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the research and development of advanced AI and Machine Learning models, algorithms, and methodologies.
  • Define the strategic roadmap for AI/ML initiatives, aligning with business objectives and scientific innovation.
  • Mentor, guide, and manage a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance research culture.
  • Design and implement scalable machine learning pipelines for data processing, model training, and deployment in a remote setting.
  • Conduct in-depth data analysis, feature engineering, and model evaluation using large, complex datasets.
  • Stay at the forefront of AI/ML research, identifying and exploring new techniques, tools, and technologies.
  • Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals, and present technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate AI/ML models into production systems.
  • Ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI systems.
  • Drive innovation and thought leadership in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Requirements
  • PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field with a strong focus on AI/ML.
  • Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in data science, with at least 3 years in a leadership or lead role.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying sophisticated machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP).
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., Tensor Flow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
  • Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Strong theoretical understanding of statistical modeling, algorithms, and data structures.
  • Proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams in a remote work environment.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
  • Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
  • Published research or contributions to open-source AI/ML projects are highly desirable.
Benefits
  • Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonuses.
  • Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous budget for professional development, conferences, and research resources.
  • Stock options or equity in a rapidly growing tech company.
  • Advanced computing resources and access to state-of-the-art tools.
  • Retirement savings plan with company matching.
  • Unlimited paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful research problems.
  • Collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work environment.
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