Lead Data Scientist (Python, R, AWS)

Are you a visionary in AI and machine learning, ready to shape the future of data-driven banking?

Join one of South Africa’s top banks as a Lead Data Scientist, driving innovation in credit, fraud detection, and customer intelligence. You’ll lead high-impact AI initiatives, mentor emerging data talent, and shape the strategic direction of data science within the business.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end design, build, and deployment of predictive models that power smarter decisions and stronger customer trust.
• Drive the bank’s AI and ML strategy, positioning it as a leader in intelligent automation and data innovation.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a high-performance, collaborative team.
• Partner with executive stakeholders to translate complex business challenges into scalable AI solutions.
• Champion data governance, ethical AI, and regulatory compliance across all projects.
• Act as a thought leader in applied machine learning and AI innovation within financial services

Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD or Master’s in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics.
• 10+ years in data science or ML-focused roles, with proven leadership experience.
• Proven delivery of production-grade ML models in banking, fintech, or high-stakes industries.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R, statistical modeling, and SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Advanced experience in:
• Credit scoring: Logistic Regression, XGBoost, LightGBM
• Default prediction: Random Forest, GBMs, Logistic Regression
• Loan approval automation: Decision Trees, GBMs
• Fraud detection: Neural Networks, Isolation Forest, SVM
• Collections prioritization: Clustering, Gradient Boosting
• Customer segmentation: K-means, DBSCAN, Hierarchical Clustering

The reference number for this position is NG60795 which is a permanent Hybrid position based in Cape Town offering a cost to company of up to R1.8mil CTC negotiable on experience and ability. Contact Nokuthula at e-merge.co.za or call her on 011 463 3633 to discuss this and other opportunities.

Are you ready for a change of scenery? E-Merge IT recruitment is a specialist niche recruitment agency. We offer our candidates options so that we can successfully place the right developers with the right companies in the right roles. Check out the E-Merge website www.e-merge.co.za for more great positions.

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Posted on 26 Nov 15:54, Closing date 25 Jan