Data Scientist at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
uLwazi (meaning ‘knowledge’) Node is one of the seven nodes of the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). The Node was established in 2018 to support data management and the development of information platforms and decision-support tools for government departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creation, validation and sourcing of data products from both geographic and non-geographic data that supports the objectives of the respective projectsthat the incumbent has been assigned to
• The development of data pipelines through processing algorithmsCreation, testing, and deployment of user end tools to search for and access data and other standalone user interfaces
• Co-development of a multi-criteria decision analysis platforms using a combination of data types and mainstream libraries for decision support
• Build production-quality data pipelines to add value to data streams and deploy these in standardised data services
• Technical leadership in medium to large scale data science projects
• Co-development of project proposals
• Create training manuals and reports for any products developed
• Science engagement, Stakeholder engagement and Co-author scientific presentations
• Contribute to the SAEON uLwazi node publication and conference presentation effort
• Engagement with internal and external staff to ensure delivery

Minimum Qualification:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 5-6 years

• NQF 9 - Masters in Computer science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Informatics or EngineeringPhD (NQF 10) will be advantageous

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant post-qualification work experience in coding, geospatial data analysis and classification techniques

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with spatial and multidimensional data technologies, data, and services, including management skills;Experience in relational databases, machine learning, statistics, and programmingSome background in supervised and unsupervised classification techniquesProficiency in one or more programming languages
• SkillsData visualisationCommunication skillsProject managementData warehousingData processingMachine learning conceptsAlgorithms for developing models

Additional Notes:
The position can be based at the SAEON National Office (Pretoria) or uLwazi Node (Cape Town), reporting to the Data Science Team Lead who is based at the National [URL Removed] with disabilities are encouraged to [URL Removed] NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) since 2002. SAEON is mandated to observe and research ecosystems on land, in coastal regions and the oceans to understand how those systems function and might change over time and space when influenced by socio-economic driving forces including climate change. We deliver our data online and offer tools, services and advice for informed environmental policy-making.