DATA SCIENTIST

Bestmed Gauteng has an opportunity available for a Data Scientist position in the Actuarial and Data Science Department.

Job purpose: The Data Scientist converts Bestmed's data into reliable analysis, models and analytical products that support member value, healthcare intelligence and better operational decisions. The role prepares and validates data, develops fit-for-purpose solutions and communicates findings in a form that business owners can use. The role provides reproducible evidence for agreed business questions and supports the full delivery cycle, from problem definition and development to implementation support, monitoring and improvement. It helps build reusable Bestmed-owned analytical assets within approved data and model governance.

The successful candidate should have:
• Grade 12
• Relevant degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science or a related quantitative field
• Minimum 2 years' relevant experience in a data science role or a closely related environment

Key responsibilities include:
• Clarify analytical requests with business owners, agree scope and success measures, and extract, clean, reconcile and analyse data while documenting sources, transformations and quality limitations.
• Develop and evaluate statistical and machine-learning solutions using appropriate baselines, testing, bias checks and uncertainty measures; document limitations and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Build benefit-comparison datasets, product-rule tests and member-exposure simulations; support risk-adjusted utilisation, provider and programme analytics, and actuarial pricing, reserving and capital work.
• Develop and maintain governed dashboards and analyses for executive reporting, claims, client services and retention; support FWA triage, audit testing and investigation of key performance drivers.
• Build and maintain reusable datasets, code and analytical workflows within approved IT environments, ensuring data lineage, testing, version control, documentation and responsible AI use.
• Monitor data quality, model performance and changing data patterns; investigate exceptions, support scenario modelling and research, and contribute to controlled knowledge transfer.
• Deliver Helpdesk analytical work to agreed standards, explain findings, support adoption, document outcomes and value, and continuously improve processes, automation and analytical quality to enhance member and provider experience.

Bestmed is a non-profit, mutual, self-administered medical scheme registered with the Council for Medical Schemes. We have been providing healthcare to the lives of South Africans for over 60 years. We are the largest self-administered scheme and the fourth largest open medical scheme in South Africa.


Bestmed offers an exceptional benefit programme and competitive packages, including:
• 23 days annual leave
• a workday of only 8 hours, including a 30 minute lunch break.
• Permanent employees have the options under our corporate umbrella fund, which includes life cover, disability benefits, funeral cover and pension fund.
• Permanent employees also have access to medical aid.
• Access to training and development opportunities are plentiful.
• Office benefits include, free Wi-Fi, an on-site gym, and a wellness programme.


We are committed to ensuring that all employees have opportunities for professional development, as well as fair compensation and employee benefits. We are also committed to ensuring a pleasant and mutual work environment, where innovation is welcomed and encouraged. As such, we reinforce a culture of zero tolerance towards any forms of inappropriate behaviour, abuse (including abuse of power, privilege or trust), harassment, or exploitation of any kind to safeguard our members, employees and partners. All employees are required to share in this commitment through our Code of Conduct.

Bestmed is an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and we are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, fairness and equality. We conduct the most appropriate pre-employment assessments and verification checks to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Bestmed reserves the right to schedule and cancel assessments and interviews. Bestmed also reserves the right not to make a placement.

If you are willing to lead the way, go the extra mile, do the right thing, be upbeat and play for the team…you may be the perfect candidate to join a journey that is Personally Yours with Bestmed!