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Senior Data Scientist – Generative AI
Senior Data Scientist – Generative AIPBT Group • Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Data Scientist – Generative AI

Senior Data Scientist – Generative AI

PBT Group • Johannesburg, South Africa
30+ days ago
Job description

PBT Group is seeking a Senior Data Scientist – Generative AI to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI and machine learning solutions. This role requires a highly hands-on technical specialist with deep expertise across Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science, capable of building production-grade models that drive measurable business value.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping AI capabilities, developing scalable model architectures, and collaborating with engineering and business teams to deliver impactful, real-world AI solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and deploy Generative AI models for practical enterprise applications (text, image, video, multimodal)
  • Develop, fine-tune, and optimise large language models (LLMs) and transformer-based architectures
  • Apply advanced machine learning and statistical techniques to solve complex business problems
  • Work with structured and unstructured datasets to engineer high-quality AI solutions
  • Partner with data engineers and software teams to integrate models into production environments
  • Drive model performance, scalability, and cost optimisation initiatives
  • Contribute to AI strategy, experimentation, and innovation initiatives
  • Conduct research and remain current with emerging trends in Generative AI and ML
  • Ensure adherence to data governance, security, and responsible AI practices
  • Communicate findings, insights, and model outcomes to technical and business stakeholders

Minimum Requirements

Experience

  • 5+ years’ experience in Data Science / Machine Learning / AI roles
  • Proven track record delivering production-grade ML or AI solutions
  • Strong hands-on development experience (not purely research or oversight)

Core Technical Expertise

Strong practical experience with:

  • Generative AI & Deep Learning
    • Large Language Models (LLMs)
    • Transformer architectures
    • GANs / VAEs / modern generative approaches
    • Prompt engineering and model optimisation
  • Programming & Frameworks
    • Python (essential)
    • PyTorch and/or TensorFlow
    • Experience working with modern AI / LLM APIs
  • Machine Learning & Data Science
    • Model development and evaluation
    • Feature engineering and optimisation
    • Statistical modelling and experimentation
    • Data exploration and analytical problem solving
  • Data Engineering & Processing
    • Strong SQL proficiency
    • Experience with Spark / large-scale data processing
    • Handling complex, high-volume datasets
  • Cloud & Infrastructure
    • Experience deploying ML / AI workloads on AWS, Azure, or GCP
    • Understanding of scalable cloud-native architectures
  • MLOps & Deployment
    • Model lifecycle management
    • Docker / containerisation concepts
    • CI/CD for ML pipelines
    • Exposure to Kubernetes advantageous

Preferred Experience

Highly advantageous:

  • NLP, Computer Vision, or Multimodal AI experience
  • Reinforcement Learning (RL) or Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) exposure
  • AI model optimisation and performance tuning
  • Model interpretability / explainability techniques
  • Experience working in regulated or data-sensitive environments
  • Research publications or open-source contributions

Key Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
  • Deep technical curiosity and innovation mindset
  • Ability to work hands-on and independently
  • Strong collaboration across technical and business teams
  • Clear communication of complex AI concepts
  • Pragmatic, solution-driven approach to AI adoption

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is suited to a senior, technically strong Data Scientist who combines:

  • Advanced Generative AI expertise
  • Solid Machine Learning & statistical foundations
  • Strong engineering & production mindset
  • Ability to translate AI capabilities into business value

* In order to comply with the POPI Act, for future career opportunities, we require your permission to maintain your personal details on our database. By completing and returning this form you give PBT your consent

* If you have not received any feedback after 2 weeks, please consider you application as unsuccessful.

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Senior Data Scientist – Generative AI • Johannesburg, South Africa

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