Platform Data Scientist
Full-time
Remote from South Africa, reporting to London headquarters
About GoGorilla
GoGorilla is the world's first performance marketing company built on financial technology. We've engineered a platform that hardwires client objectives into every campaign, ensuring transparent, auditable results that traditional agencies can't match. When our clients win, you win. You'll join a high-performance international team where your creative impact directly shapes your career trajectory and financial rewards, with opportunities for UK visa sponsorship for outstanding performers.
About the role
As a Platform Data Scientist working remotely from South Africa, you will develop and implement data science solutions for our performance marketing platform serving UK and international clients. You will work closely with our London data team to build predictive models, analyse campaign performance, and develop data-driven insights that improve client outcomes.
Day to day, you'll be developing machine learning models, analysing large datasets, creating predictive algorithms, and collaborating with engineering teams to implement data science solutions. This role leverages South African technical expertise and analytical capabilities in data science and machine learning.
Working pattern and flexibility
This is a senior technical role available as full-time, fully remote from South Africa. You'll work closely with our London headquarters team through structured communication and regular video calls. Core collaboration hours align with South African mornings (UK afternoons) for optimal technical collaboration. Time tracking software is required for security and progress monitoring.
Leadership trajectory
This is a senior technical role with opportunities to advance to Lead Data Scientist or Head of Data Science positions. You'll start by managing individual data science projects, with the chance to progress to leading data science initiatives and mentoring other data scientists within 18-24 months based on performance. Exceptional performers will have opportunities for UK visa sponsorship.
What you will be doing
Develop machine learning models and predictive algorithms for performance marketing optimisation.
Analyse large datasets to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for campaign improvement.
Create data-driven insights and recommendations to improve client campaign performance.
Collaborate with engineering teams to implement data science solutions in production systems.
Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and validate the performance of the model.
Build automated reporting and monitoring systems for data science models.
Contribute to data science methodology development and best practices.
Mentor junior data team members and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
What you will bring
University degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field.
3-5 years of experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics roles.
Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and machine learning frameworks (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, etc.).
Strong statistical analysis and mathematical modelling capabilities.
Experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
Excellent English communication skills for technical collaboration with UK teams.
Right to work in South Africa with a reliable high-speed internet connection.
You should not apply if
You are not experienced in data science and machine learning model development.
You are not proficient in statistical analysis and mathematical modelling.
You are not comfortable working with large datasets and complex technical challenges.
You are not interested in performance marketing and business-driven data science.
You are not comfortable working independently with minimal supervision on technical projects.
How we work
Outcomes first – success measured by model performance, client impact, and data-driven insights.
Autonomy with accountability – significant freedom to develop data science solutions with clear expectations.
Build the playbook – lead development of data science methodologies and best practices.
Learn from the best – work directly with senior data scientists and technical leadership.
Continuous improvement – data-driven insights shape platform development and client success.
Compensation and progression
Base salary: R50,000 to R60,000 per month (full-time).
Currency options: Choose to be paid in ZAR, USD, GBP, or a combination.
Performance bonuses: Sales operations success bonuses (available after 6-month probation).
Company profit-sharing: Enhanced participation in overall company success.
Equity: Meaningful equity participation for high performers (considered after 12 months).
Benefits: Full benefits package after 6-month probation period.
UK visa opportunity: Outstanding performers eligible for sponsorship (after 18 months minimum).
Progression: Clear path to Lead Data Scientist or Head of Data Science roles based on performance.
30-60-90 day expectations
Day 30 – Complete onboarding, understand platform architecture, and begin first data science projects.
Day 60 – Successfully develop and deploy first machine learning models and demonstrate technical capabilities.
Day 90 – Consistently deliver high-impact data science solutions and contribute to platform improvement.
Probation and performance framework
6-month probation period with monthly performance reviews and clear success metrics.
Performance thresholds: Must achieve data science delivery and model performance targets to progress beyond probation.
Benefits eligibility: Full benefits package is available after successful completion of probation.
Equipment policy: Company equipment must be returned if employment ends during the probationary period.
