Data Science (Team Lead)

For one of our clients, an international leader in game-tech space, we're seeking a Data Science Team Lead to drive AI innovation within their Risk Management function.

As Data Science Team Lead for Risk function, you'll lead a team of 5-7 Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers building AI solutions that detect fraud, assess risk, and protect the platform. You'll bridge the gap between complex risk challenges and cutting-edge machine learning, delivering models that operate at scale in production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Directly manage and mentor a team of 5-7 data scientists. Foster technical growth, conduct code reviews, and guide the team through complex, ambiguous problems while promoting a culture of experimentation.
• Strategy to Execution: Translate high-level risk management requirements into concrete machine learning problems. Identify high-impact opportunities for AI to improve fraud detection, anomaly scoring, and operational security.
• Hands-on Delivery: Oversee the end-to-end modeling process, including exploratory data analysis (EDA), feature engineering, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning. Ensure the team adheres to best practices in coding, testing, and comparative experimentation.
• Production Focus: Collaborate closely with engineering to deploy models into real-time production systems. Implement robust MLOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated retraining, and continuous performance monitoring to ensure scalability and reliability.

Must-Have Experience

• Management: Proven experience leading Data Science or ML teams.
• Technical Mastery: Expert knowledge of ML/Deep Learning algorithms and Python stack (scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch, pandas).
• Production Engineering: Track record of deploying models to production with strong MLOps/CI/CD practices.
• Foundations: Strong background in software engineering (OOP) and statistical theory.
• Communication: Fluent English with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with Spark/PySpark and cloud platforms (Azure/Databricks).
• Background in Fraud Detection, Risk, or Cybersecurity.
• Knowledge of real-time scoring and the iGaming/Betting industry

Our client considers only applicants who are currently living in Portugal with full legal authorization to work here (valid work permit or EU citizenship).

(Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship or relocation support for these positions.)

Contract & Benefits

• Contract: Permanent, full-time employment directly with our client.
• Compensation: Competitive base salary tailored to your seniority level (assessed during technical interviews) + performance bonus.
• Perks: Comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, meal allowance, company card, and access to learning platforms like Udemy.