Data Scientist (AI / Machine Learning)
Company: AI startup company
Location: Kuala Lumpur — On-site / Hybrid
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Level: Senior Specialist (5+ years)
About the Company
The company is a Malaysian sovereign AI company building economic and intelligence products for government, regulators, financial institutions, and enterprise clients across Malaysia and ASEAN. We turn alternative data — satellite imagery, geolocation, text, financial, and macroeconomic data — into nowcasting models, indicators, and decision products.
We're hiring our foundation team. This is a rare chance to join early, work directly with the Head of AI, and shape how AI is built and deployed for the region from day one.
The Role
We're looking for an experienced Data Scientist to design, build, and validate production-grade models that extract real signals from complex data. You'll own models end-to-end — from research and design through validation, documentation, and production readiness — and translate them into indicators and products clients can trust.
We're recruiting across three specialisation tracks. Tell us which fits you best when you apply:
- Computer Vision / Geolocation — satellite imagery analytics, asset detection, activity inference, and geospatial intelligence for strategic sectors.
- NLP / Text Analytics — multilingual models for macro sentiment, supply-chain risk, geopolitical and regulatory signals, with a focus on Bahasa Malaysia and ASEAN languages.
- Econometrics / Macro — macroeconomic nowcasting and quantitative indicators for GDP, inflation, trade, labour, and regional growth.
What You'll Do
- Design, build, and validate models in your specialisation area, taking them from concept to production or validated pilot.
- Calibrate and validate models against ground truth, official statistics, and real-world outcomes — and communicate uncertainty and limitations clearly.
- Work closely with Data Engineering to source, clean, and structure datasets, and with Product and Delivery teams to turn models into client-ready indicators and dashboards.
- Contribute to composite indicators by integrating signals across computer vision, NLP, and econometric workstreams.
- Document model assumptions, accuracy, reproducibility, and production readiness to a standard suitable for government, regulator, and Board-level review.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of applied experience in data science, machine learning, or quantitative research (relevant to your chosen track).
- Strong Python (or R for econometrics), with solid model design, validation, and experiment-tracking discipline.
- Track-specific depth:
- CV / Geolocation: PyTorch/TensorFlow, GeoPandas, GDAL, QGIS, raster/vector and satellite imagery workflows (Sentinel, Landsat, commercial imagery, mobility data).
- NLP: transformers, Hugging Face, embeddings, classification/extraction, and evaluation; multilingual / ASEAN-language experience highly valued.
- Econometrics: time-series analysis, nowcasting, forecasting, and model validation; experience with economic, central-bank, or financial data.
- A clear communicator who can explain technical findings to non-technical, business, and policy stakeholders.
- Strong documentation habits and a commitment to reproducible, well-governed models.
Nice to Have
- Masters or PhD in a relevant field (Computer Science, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Finance, Data Science, or related) — strong applied experience can substitute.
- Experience with alternative data, government or policy analytics, financial services, or regulated/critical environments.
- Exposure to building data products, indicators, or dashboards for real clients.
Why Join Us
- Foundation-team impact — your work sets the standard as we grow.
- Meaningful problems — sovereign-grade AI applied to real economic and policy decisions across Malaysia and ASEAN.
- Direct access — work alongside the Head of AI and a lean, senior team.
- Growth — clear path to deepen your specialisation and develop into leadership as the company scales.
How to Apply
Submit your CV and a short note telling us which track you're applying for (Computer Vision / Geolocation, NLP / Text Analytics, or Econometrics / Macro) and one model or project you're proud of. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Pay: RM10,000.00 - RM12,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Maternity leave
- Opportunities for promotion
- Parental leave
- Professional development
- Work from home
Work Location: In person