Data Scientist (Intermediate)

Discovery Health Intermediate Data Scientist About DiscoveryDiscovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.About (Health Intelligence – Operations Intelligence)The position available is in the Discovery Health Operations Intelligence unit. We apply predictive analytics, big data and analytic skills to provide unique data-driven answers to exciting problems in servicing, operations and other areas of the business. The team has access to structured and unstructured data and makes use of the latest international innovative big data architecture. Key Purpose In this role you will be involved in creating opportunities that delight our customers by leveraging Discovery’s vast clinical, demographic and operational data. Using this data with predictive modelling and machine learning techniques you will have a direct impact on strategic initiatives to support Discovery’s world-class operations. The successful applicant will be working within a highly specialized and growing team investigating ways to optimize and improve client services for Discovery’s client schemes. Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to Connecting with a multitude of stakeholders to understand the data in a healthcare and operational contextMining large structured and unstructured datasets to find new insights to inform operational efficiency and ‘member- delight’ interaction strategiesResearch and application of the most up to date machine learning algorithms and AI techniquesCollaborate with product owners, project managers, and executive stakeholders to identify and prioritize business problems that can be solved with LLMs.Conduct desktop research into the state-of-the-art in LLMs and Generative AI and apply findings to real-world applications (either requested by business or suggested by yourself).Present data and model findings in a way that provides actionable insights to business usersMonitoring model performanceImprove processes and databases where opportunities arisePersonal Attributes And SkillsExpert in data science programming languages such as R, Python, ScalaExpert in data manipulation skills including SQL to extract, transform and load dataExperience in interactive data exploration and data-driven story tellingUnderstanding and application of Big Data and distributed computing principlesHands on experience with Big Data systems will be preferredStrong analytical and statistical knowledge with an understanding of the latest machine learning algorithms for both structured and unstructured dataAbility to adapt to emerging technologies and toolsProficiency in version control systems such as Git for collaborative coding and maintaining code integrityAbility to formulate problem statements and develop a plan for tackling the problemStrong ability to communicate findings and recommendations from data (visual, verbal and written)Integration and implementation experienceA passion for data exploration and analyticsSelf-starterWillingness to learn and grow exponentiallyA restless curiosity towards data and uncovering unknown correlationsAbility to work cohesively in a team environment and balance multiple prioritiesA team player who can work alone when required and without supervisionHigh level of attention to detail, resilience, enthusiasm, energy and driveEducation And ExperienceHonours or Master’s degree in Computer Science with solid experience in statistical modelling, data mining and machine learning, ORHonours or Master’s degree in either Data Science, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics with some experience in software engineering, computer science or working with big disparate sets of dataOther analytical qualifications will also be considered if accompanied by the relevant experienceA minimum of 2 years’ work experience in a data science positionEMPLOYMENT EQUITYThe Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.