South Africa: Data Scientist – Johannesburg/ Cape Town – up to R750 per hour posted by E-Merge

January 28, 2026 Jobs in South Africa

E-Merge

South Africa

Other IT/Computer

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Data Scientist to join our AI consultancy team in Johannesburg/Cape Town. As a specialist artificial intelligence partner, we support organizations in realizing tangible value from AI initiatives, collaborating with prominent enterprises, including tier-one financial institutions. We are looking for an expert who can apply sophisticated analytical approaches and machine learning methods to extract insights and build production-ready AI applications.

Key Responsibilities

Dive deep into complex datasets, uncovering patterns and transforming raw data into analysis-ready insights.
Design, build, and fine-tune high-impact machine learning models that tackle real-world business problems.
Collaborate closely with stakeholders, turning ambiguous questions into clear, data-driven strategies.
Work hand-in-hand with data and ML engineers to scale models from prototype to production-ready solutions.
Tell compelling data stories, translating technical results into clear, actionable insights for any audience.
Fuel innovation through experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement of AI-powered solutions.

Requirements

3-5 years of hands-on experience as a Data Scientist (or in a closely related role), delivering real-world impact.
Strong Python expertise, with practical experience across the modern data science stack-Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and beyond.
Deep grounding in statistics, data analysis, and feature engineering, with the ability to turn theory into production-ready solutions.
Confident working with data at scale, using SQL across both structured and unstructured datasets.
Essential: Proven experience with AWS, including services such as S3, SageMaker, Lambda, EC2, Glue, and Redshift.
Business-first mindset, able to frame ambiguous problems and deliver insights that drive measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field

Salary & Benefits

The contract rate for this position is up to R750 per hour, with salary negotiable based on experience.

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How to Apply

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About Other IT/Computer Jobs in South Africa

In South Africa, the IT and computer industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with a diverse range of job opportunities available across various sectors. Typically, these roles involve working with technology to drive business growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. Generally, careers in this field require a strong understanding of technical concepts and a willingness to adapt to changing technologies.

When it comes to salary expectations, it’s common for IT and computer professionals in South Africa to earn broad ranges that can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. Typically, entry-level positions may offer salaries between R400 000 and R600 000 per annum, while more senior roles can command higher figures, often ranging from R800 000 to R2 million or more, depending on the specific requirements of the job.

Common skills for IT and computer professionals in South Africa typically include proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, as well as experience with operating systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS. Data analysis and visualisation tools like Tableau, Power BI, or D3.js are also often required, particularly in roles involving data science or business intelligence. Additionally, IT professionals should be familiar with cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as cybersecurity principles to protect against threats. Other essential skills may include project management, collaboration tools like Slack or Trello, and a solid understanding of database management systems.

Industries that commonly employ IT and computer professionals in South Africa include the financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and public sector organisations. These sectors often require specialists to design, implement, and maintain complex technological systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and securely.

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Career development opportunities for IT and computer professionals in South Africa are diverse and varied. Typically, entry-level roles provide a solid foundation for progression into mid-tier positions, where professionals can take on more senior responsibilities and develop their technical expertise. With experience, it’s common to move into leadership roles or transition into related fields like data science, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity. Many companies also offer opportunities for training, certification, and continuing education to support the ongoing development of their employees’ skills and knowledge.

This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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