Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>Advance the science: Design experiments, validate metrics, and build ML pipelines for reinforcement learning, advanced reasoning techniques, and LLMs while ensuring Responsible AI and Privacy-Preserving ML best practices.</li>
<li>Drive product innovation: Collaborate with Engineering, Product, and Design teams to transform research insights into scalable Microsoft 365 Copilot features used by millions.</li>
<li>Cross-team collaboration: Partner with Microsoft Research, Azure, AI platform teams, and product teams to integrate cutting-edge research into production systems.</li>
<li>Champion customer-focused impact: Engage with customers, analyze user feedback and telemetry data to identify pain points and prioritize high-impact ML improvements.</li>
<li>Technical leadership: Mentor junior scientists and engineers while establishing ML best practices across the product organization.</li>
<li>Define and measure success: Create KPIs and success metrics that align with business objectives and track product performance in production.</li>
<li>Stay at the research forefront: Contribute to the applied science community through publications, and internal knowledge sharing. Publishing is encouraged, though not required.</li>
</ul>
Required Qualifications:
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics predictive analytics, research)</li>
<li>OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)</li>
<li>OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)</li>
<li>OR equivalent experience.</li>
<li>Excellent problem solving and data analysis skills, with expertise in developing or applying predictive analytics, statistical modelling, data mining, or machine learning algorithms, especially at scale.</li>
<li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify and explain complex ideas.</li>
</ul>
Other Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
<ul>
<li>Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.</li>
</ul>

Microsoft

Senior Applied Scientist

Principle Accountabilities 
Technology Leadership&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Lead and oversee all software engineering functions — backend, frontend, UI/UX, QA, and architecture — across multiple squads and innovation initiatives.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Define and enforce engineering standards, frameworks, and technology principles aligned with the Group’s IT strategy, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Drive technology excellence, ensuring scalability, resilience, and interoperability across digital platforms, including mobile, internet, and core system integrations.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Collaborate closely with other Tribe Leads and Core Technology teams to ensure seamless alignment, efficient resource utilization, and cohesive delivery across all technology initiatives.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Data Strategy &amp; Tribe Leadership&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Lead the Data Tribe, providing strategic direction for the implementation of the Group’s Data Strategy.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Work closely with the Head of Data Analytics within the Strategy &amp; Business Performance Department to enhance the Group’s data infrastructure, governance, and analytics capabilities.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Oversee the design and implementation of data platforms and pipelines to enable data-driven decision-making, business intelligence, and advanced analytics.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Champion the adoption of data engineering best practices, data quality standards, and data security protocols across all innovation initiatives.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Architecture &amp; Solution Design&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Oversee the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performing architectures aligned with enterprise architecture standards.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Guide solution architects in developing robust, API-driven, cloud-enabled, and microservices-based solutions that support digital transformation objectives.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Promote architectural consistency and reuse across digital platforms and core systems.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Delivery &amp; Execution&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Ensure effective delivery of digital and data initiatives through Agile and DevSecOps practices.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Collaborate with Product Owners, Business Analysts, and Innovation Squads to translate business needs into innovative, customer-centric technology solutions.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Establish and enforce delivery standards, ensuring on-time, high-quality releases with strong version control, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
People &amp; Capability Development&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing multidisciplinary technology and data team.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning across all tribes.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Drive performance management, career development, and technical excellence within the technology and data teams.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Governance, Risk &amp; Compliance&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Ensure compliance with Group IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CBK, Data Protection Act).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Oversee technology and data risk assessments, implementing proactive mitigation measures.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Maintain rigorous standards for data privacy, system integrity, and information security.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Innovation &amp; Continuous Improvement&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that enhance digital experiences, operational efficiency, and data utilization.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Encourage experimentation and prototyping of innovative solutions that support the Group’s digital transformation agenda.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Drive modernization of legacy systems and champion reusability of platforms and services across the Group’s ecosystem.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Key Competencies and Skills&nbsp;
Technical Competencies&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, data insights, and technology execution.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Demonstrated ability to design and deliver enterprise-grade digital and data platforms, integrating with core banking systems, APIs, and cloud environments.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Strong understanding of data management principles, including data quality, metadata management, data lineage, and regulatory compliance (e.g., Data Protection Act, CBK regulations).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Proven track record in implementing data strategies and analytics initiatives that enable data-driven decision-making across the organization.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Leadership Competencies&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Strategic Orientation &amp; Result Orientation.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and team management skills.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, data insights, and technology execution.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience&nbsp;
Academic &amp; Professional&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field.&nbsp;</li>
<li>A Master’s degree in Technology Management, Data Analytics, or Business Administration is an added advantage.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Experience&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in software engineering, technology management, or digital transformation, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multidisciplinary technology teams.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Proven experience leading cross-functional technology and data teams, including developers, solution architects, and data professionals in a dynamic, innovation-driven, or financial services environment.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Experience managing delivery through Agile, DevOps, and DevSecOps practices, ensuring continuous integration, testing, and deployment.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI/ML, automation, API ecosystems, and cloud-native solutions is an advantage.</li>
</ul>

The Latest Software It Jobs in Kenya

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Senior Applied Scientist

Microsoft

Head, Software Engineering & Data Tribe

HF Group

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Senior Applied Scientist

Microsoft

Head, Software Engineering & Data Tribe

HF Group

Explore exciting roles with leading companies and take the next big step in your career.
Find your perfect match today!