Lead Data Scientist - AI & Machine Learning Scientific Research
Cape Town, 7561, South Africa
Listed on 2026-10-19
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IT/Tech
Machine Learning/ ML Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer (Applied/Software)
About the Role This is a unique opportunity for a visionary Lead Data Scientist to pioneer advanced AI and Machine Learning initiatives within a fully remote-first environment. Our client is at the forefront of scientific innovation and seeks a seasoned professional to drive the application of data science in complex research challenges. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and deploying sophisticated ML models that unlock new insights from vast scientific datasets.
Operating from anywhere in the world, you will collaborate with a distributed team of world-class scientists and engineers, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This role demands a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for scientific advancement. If you thrive in a remote setting and are driven by complex problem-solving, this position in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA (though remote) offers an unparalleled career trajectory.
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced AI and ML models for scientific data analysis.
- Identify opportunities to apply machine learning techniques to solve complex research problems and generate actionable insights.
- Develop scalable data pipelines and model deployment strategies in a cloud environment.
- Collaborate with research scientists to understand their data challenges and provide data-driven solutions.
- Mentor and guide junior data scientists and engineers within the remote team.
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, ML, and relevant scientific fields.
- Communicate complex technical findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Champion best practices in data science, coding, and model reproducibility.
- Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in data science, with a significant focus on AI and Machine Learning.
- Demonstrated success in leading data science projects from conception to deployment.
- Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant ML libraries (e.g., Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
- Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop).
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of presenting complex information clearly.
- A passion for scientific research and a drive to make a significant impact.
- Experience with analyzing diverse scientific datasets is highly desirable.
As a remote-first organization, our client offers unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. This role includes a highly competitive salary package, potential for stock options, and a generous annual bonus structure. We provide a comprehensive health insurance plan, a retirement savings contribution, and a professional development budget for continuous learning and conference participation. The company culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. Equipment and software necessary for high-performance remote work are fully provided.
Enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere while contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
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