A data scientist builds predictive models and applies advanced statistical methods to extract insights and build products that generate value from your data.
A great Data Scientist does not just complete tasks. They own a function that directly frees you to grow. Here is what that looks like in a scaling business:
01Develop and deploy machine learning and statistical models
02Analyze large, complex datasets to identify patterns and insights
03Build and validate predictive features for product or business use cases
04Communicate findings and model performance to stakeholders
05Collaborate with engineering on model deployment and monitoring
How this hire moves your business forward: A data scientist turns your historical data into future predictions. Recommendation engines, churn prediction, fraud detection, pricing optimization - these capabilities transform data into a business advantage.
Why LatAm
Why LatAm Produces Great Data Scientists.
LatAm data scientists often hold advanced degrees in statistics, mathematics, or computer science. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia have strong academic programs in data science and machine learning.
The timezone overlap with the US is strong. LatAm professionals work within 1 to 3 hours of US Eastern time, so there is no async lag, no late-night handoffs, and no communication gap.
Skills & tools
Know What a Great Data Scientist Actually Brings to the Table.
Beyond the resume, here are the skills, tools, and traits that separate strong performers from strong interviewers.
Hard Skills
Machine learning (supervised and unsupervised)
Statistical modeling and analysis
Python (scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy)
Feature engineering
Model evaluation and validation
Common Tools
Python / R
Jupyter / VS Code
scikit-learn / TensorFlow / PyTorch
SQL / BigQuery
MLflow / Weights & Biases
Soft Skills & Traits
Intellectually rigorous
Communicates complex findings clearly
Collaborative with engineering and business teams
Honest about model limitations
Continuous learner
Compensation
What You Can Expect to Pay.
Based on Sur market data and regional benchmarks. Figures reflect total cash compensation.
Seniority
US Annual
LatAm Annual
You Save
Entry
$90,000
$34,800
$55,200 / yr
Mid level
$125,000
$51,600
$73,400 / yr
Senior
$165,000
$67,200
$97,800 / yr
Spot the right hire
What to Look For, and What to Watch Out For.
Green Flags
Has deployed models to production, not just built them in notebooks
Can explain model performance in business terms, not just technical metrics
Honest about model uncertainty and limitations
Collaborates effectively with engineering on deployment
Red Flags
Strong theoretical knowledge but no production deployment experience
Builds models but cannot communicate their business value
Overfits models and cannot explain why predictions are wrong
Our process
Our Process for This Role.
We do not post and wait. Every Data Scientist search we run is built from scratch around your business, your stage, your team, and your goals. And at every step, we are thinking about how this hire helps you grow.
1
Onboarding Call
We start by understanding what you actually need.
2
Role Scoping and Assessment Design
We build a precise role profile and design the custom skills assessment before we search for anyone.
3
Sourcing
We source actively across LatAm and the Caribbean and through our network.
4
Prescreening and Phone Screen
Every candidate is internally screened then put through an English phone screen.
5
Your Shortlist
3 to 5 candidates delivered early in the process with background, audio clip, and our team's recommendation.
6
Skills Assessment
Shortlisted candidates take a custom assessment built to replicate the actual work of the role.
7
Hire and Guarantee
We support the offer, help structure compensation for retention, and back every placement with a 90-day guarantee.
3-4 weeks typically. Most placements are made within 21 days of the onboarding call.
Most LatAm professionals work within 1 to 3 hours of US Eastern time.
All Sur placements speak fluent English. We screen for language ability on every search. Moderate English acceptable depending on exposure.
A LatAm data scientist brings the same academic rigor and applied modeling capability as a US hire at 35-45% of the cost. The best candidates hold advanced degrees and have deployed models to production.
If your hire does not work out within the first 90 days for any reason, we replace them at no additional cost.
Hire a data analyst first. Data scientists add value when you have specific prediction or optimization problems that cannot be solved with descriptive analytics alone.
A data scientist builds models. An ML engineer deploys and scales them in production. For early-stage ML, a data scientist with some engineering skills can cover both.
Ready to Hire a Data Scientist Who Actually Moves the Needle?
Let us design the role together and find you the right person from LatAm.