Data Scientist

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Purpose of the role:

First Quantum Minerals is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging data for informed decision-making and innovation. We are currently seeking an experienced Data Scientist with a minimum of 8 years' experience to join our team.

Reporting to the Group Data Analytics Lead, the Data Scientist will partner with business and operational leaders to provide an impact by leveraging data and analytical tools, strategic thinking, and hypothesis-based analysis on machine learning (ML)-based projects. The data scientist will be responsible for modelling complex business problems through statistical, algorithmic, mining, and visualization techniques. Further, they will support senior leadership by creating business insights, reports, and analyses to aid in the decision-making process.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Value Generation (Data Science):

• Extract actionable insights and patterns from data using appropriate tools.
• Perform large-scale experimentation and builds data-driven models to answer business questions.
• Proactively mines data warehouses to identify trends and patterns and generates insights for business units and senior leadership.
• Perform large-scale experimentation to identify hidden relationships between variables in large datasets.
• Research and implement cutting-edge techniques and tools in machine learning/deep learning/artificial intelligence to make data analysis more efficient.
• Apply statistical analysis and visualization techniques to enrich various data products.
• Deploy, maintain and improve machine learning models into production environments.

1. Common Data Model Development (Data Product Management):

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to align the data model/products with specific business requirements and use cases.
• Identify and record how data maps from various sources to the common data model schema.
• Develop data products which address gaps in common data model.
• Continuously assess and update the common data model to accommodate evolving business needs and data sources.
• Communicate data model changes and updates to relevant stakeholders and ensuring a smooth transition.

1. Data Adoption and Compliance:

• Evangelise data-driven decision making within the organization.
• Monitor adoption/compliance of standards and best practices within analytics areas/functions.
• Collaborate with data engineering teams to ensure data quality and reliability to boost user confidence and adoption.
• Monitor and report on key adoption metrics, such as user engagement, data utilization, and user satisfaction.
• Implement change management practices to facilitate the smooth adoption of new data-related technologies and processes.
• Provide support to stakeholders encountering issues or challenges in utilizing data resources effectively.
• Regularly communicating updates, successes, and challenges related to data adoption to the DNA Lead and project stakeholders.

Qualifications Required:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, statistics, or a related field.
• Candidates will ideally have a specialization in ML or AI.

Experience & Skills Required:

• A minimum of 8 years' experience in mining, manufacturing, or heavy industry roles.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in data science or data analytics roles.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a leadership and stakeholder engagement roles.
• Proficiency in data science and machine learning tools and languages (e.g., Python, R, TensorFlow).
• Knowledge of statistical and data mining techniques such as generalized linear model (GLM)/regression, random forest, etc.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Behavioural Traits Required:

• Performance and results orientated
• Team player
• Effective communication abilities
• Ability to manage change
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Knowledge and interest in computer systems and the latest technologies

Other Requirements:

• Location: Cape Town, Bellville Park
• Travel: Regionally, twice a quarter
• Place of Work: Hybrid (4-3 Office days per week)