Job Summary
Sasim IT is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Data Scientist to join our growing Data and AI team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for analysing complex datasets, developing advanced statistical and machine learning models, and transforming data into actionable business insights. The role requires strong technical expertise across data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical modelling, and data analytics.
The Data Scientist will work closely with business stakeholders, software developers, data engineers, and other technical teams to design and implement data-driven solutions that solve complex business problems.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse large, complex, structured and unstructured datasets to identify trends, patterns and business insights.
- Design, develop, test and deploy machine learning and predictive analytics models.
- Develop statistical models for forecasting, classification, clustering, regression and optimization.
- Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA), statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.
- Develop reusable Python/R code, algorithms and analytical frameworks.
- Perform data cleansing, transformation, feature engineering and data preparation.
- Develop and optimise machine learning pipelines.
- Work with data engineers to source, integrate and prepare data from multiple systems.
- Query and analyse data using SQL and other data-processing technologies.
- Evaluate machine learning models using appropriate performance metrics and validation techniques.
- Participate in the implementation of AI, Machine Learning and Generative AI solutions.
- Support the operationalization and monitoring of machine learning models.
- Apply appropriate data governance, security and privacy principles.
- Research emerging Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence technologies and recommend their application to business problems.
- Produce technical documentation covering models, methodologies, assumptions, data sources and analytical results.
Minimum Education Requirements
Applicants must have a recognised tertiary IT qualification at National Diploma level or higher.
Relevant qualifications may include:
- National Diploma in Information Technology or related discipline (Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics)
Experience Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience in Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning or a closely related field.
- Demonstrable experience developing and implementing machine learning and predictive models.
- Strong practical experience working with large and complex datasets.
- Experience translating business requirements into data science and analytical solutions.
- Experience working across the full Data Science lifecycle, from data exploration and preparation through model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring.
- Experience communicating analytical findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Mandatory Technical Skills
Strong practical knowledge and experience in:
- Python
- SQL
- R and/or other statistical programming languages
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Statistical modelling
- Predictive analytics
- Data mining
- Exploratory Data Analysis
- Feature engineering
- Data cleansing and transformation
- Regression and classification techniques
- Clustering and segmentation
- Time-series analysis and forecasting
- Model validation and performance evaluation
- Data visualisation
- Data preparation and ETL/ELT concepts
Experience with machine learning libraries/frameworks such as:
- Scikit-learn
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
- Pandas
- NumPy
- Spark / PySpark
Data Science Certification
Candidates must hold at least one relevant professional certification or recognised Data Science/Machine Learning certification.
Examples may include:
- Microsoft Data Science / Azure AI or Machine Learning certification
- Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer
- AWS Machine Learning certification
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
- SAS Data Science certification
- Databricks Machine Learning certification
- TensorFlow certification/training
- Other recognized Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics certification
Candidates should provide proof of certification where applicable.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Critical and structured thinking
- Strong mathematical and statistical reasoning
- Ability to translate business problems into analytical solutions
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
- Strong documentation skills
- Commitment to continuous learning and keeping up with developments in Data Science and AI
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit an updated CV clearly demonstrating:
- Tertiary IT qualification – National Diploma or higher
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant Data Science/Analytics experience
- Relevant Data Science / Machine Learning certification(s)
- Data Science technologies and tools used
- Machine Learning/AI projects successfully delivered
Important: Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualification, experience and certification requirements may not be considered.
Pay: From R1,00 per day
Education:
- Diploma (Required)
Experience:
- Data Science Work: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Data Science/ML certification? (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Johannesburg, Gauteng