DATA SCIENTIST

JOB TITLE: DATA SCIENTIST

REPORTS TO: HEAD: ANALYTICS

BUSINESS UNIT: OPERATIONS

LOCATION: HEAD OFFFICE: PRETORIA

POSITION STATUS: FIXED TERM

POSITION GRADE: D2

Purpose of the Job

The Data Scientist is responsible for contributing to the development and implementation of analytical and Machine Learning solutions, under the guidance of the Senior Specialist, within established company standards and guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

Analytics Input and Support

• Support implementation and provide input into analytics and data-related plans, processes, systems, and procedures, in line with departmental and company strategy and goals
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and proposing innovative solutions
• Provide input into data requirements, analytical frameworks, and modelling workflows to enable project execution
• Stay abreast of and provide technical advice and guidance on emerging data-science techniques, machine-learning algorithms, and tools to promote ongoing innovation

Data Science Solution Execution

• Develop and support approved implementation of analytical and machine-learning models using data-mining and statistical techniques
• Execute assigned projects independently, ensuring achievement of project deliverables and objectives in line with timelines and technical guidelines provided by the Senior Specialist: Advanced Analytics
• Report on progress and integrate suggestions for improvement, provided by the Senior Specialist and Analytics team
• Identify and propose corrective action / solutions to address any risks or problems, for review and obtain approval for implementation of refinements to improve model accuracy and stability
• Escalate and propose corrective action approaches / solutions to address identified risks or challenges to the Senior Specialist for review, obtaining approval before implementing corrective actions
• Document and securely store all code, modelling processes, assumptions, and outputs to ensure traceability and reproducibility

Data Governance, Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to all data-related policies, standards, and procedures in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) requirements, and company rules and regulations
• Maintain updated data repositories to safeguard information integrity, quality, and confidentiality, supporting reproducibility in line with company standards, rules, and regulations
• Escalate any identified data-quality, integrity, or compliance concerns to the Senior Specialist for review and resolution
• Support the adoption of best practices in data governance and quality frameworks through collaboration with the Analytics team

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or relevant field (NQF Level 7)
• Advanced degree or MBA (Ideal)
• 5+ Years Relevant data science, machine learning and algorithm-related experience at a specialist level
• Experience in the Banking Industry (Advantageous)

Skills and Attributes

• Uncompromising integrity, honesty, and professional ethics.
• Respectful and professional conduct at all times.
• Strong personal accountability and ownership.
• A commitment to excellence in every deliverable.
• High levels of resilience and perseverance when facing obstacles.
• Self-motivation and the ability to operate independently.
• Continuous learning and intellectual curiosity.
• Loyalty to team objectives and organisational success.

Phase Target Skills & Algorithms Tech Stack Mapping

Database optimization, automated ETL SQL Server (SSMS, SSIS), Power Query pipelines, stored procedures. 1. Core Data & Advanced data modeling, context filtering, row- Power BI (DAX), Tableau BI Engineering level security, cloud deployment. Statistical profiling, macro migration, legacy SAS predictive validation. Binary classification, feature engineering for Python (scikit-learn, XGBoost), R, SQL Server upsell/cross-sell propensity modeling. 2. Predictive AI Regression trees, ensemble learning, automated Python, SQL Server, Power & Automation lead generation scoring engines. Query Survival analysis, lifetime value (LTV) Python (lifelines, HuggingFace), R, Power BI estimation, NLP for service ticket intent. Location allocation algorithms, spatial clustering, ArcGIS, Python (GeoPandas, PySAL) spatial regression. 3. Advanced Constrained optimization, attribution modeling, Optimization & Python (SciPy.optimize), R marketing mix modeling (MMM). Geo Bridging deep tech with executive business Full Ecosystem Transformation decisions, setting architectural patterns.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply and meet the requirements, please forward your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to RecruitmentSN@Postbank.co.za Please indicate in the subject line the position you are applying for. To view the full position specification, log on to www.postbank.co.za and click on Careers.

Closing Date

16 September 2026

Disclaimers

The South African Postbank SOC Limited is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially with regard to race, gender and disability. In compliance with the banks employment equity plans, first preference will be given to candidates from designated groups. Correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only.

If you do not hear from the South African Postbank SOC Limited or its Agent within 3 months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The South African Postbank SOC Limited reserves the right not to fill the positions or to re-advertise the positions at any time.

POPIA provides that everyone has the right to privacy and it includes a right to protection against the unlawful collection, retention, dissemination and use of personal information. By applying for employment you consent to the processing of your personal information with Postbank. Your personal information and any attached text or documentation are retained by Postbank for a period in accordance with relevant data legislation.