Data Science & AI Engineer | Harare, Zimbabwe
Craig Tinei
Chadiwa
Data Science·Machine Learning·Deep Learning·Applied AI
I build machine learning and AI systems that turn raw data into decisions, from deep learning models to the big data pipelines that feed them.
About
Where analysis meets engineering
I'm a Data Scientist and AI Research Assistant with hands-on experience across analytics, machine learning, big data infrastructure, and applied AI research. I've spent the last three years moving between two worlds that are usually kept separate: the statistical, research side of data work; SPSS, Stata, NVivo, thematic coding and the engineering side; Hadoop, parallel computing, ETL pipelines, and agentic LLM systems built with LangChain.
I begin a Master of Science in Data Science at the University of Johannesburg in February 2027, continuing toward ethical, data-driven work in research, innovation, and decision-making.
Skills
The toolkit, tiled to scale
The sequence begins with two ones, so does this section.
Experience
Five roles, one throughline
Data Scientist — Red Cup Series
Jan 2026 – PresentHarare, Zimbabwe · Hybrid
- Build data pipelines and dashboards tracking sales, campaign and customer performance across the agency's apparel and software products.
- Prototype AI-powered features — recommendation, personalization and chat-based tools — for client-facing software.
- Apply machine learning to marketing and customer data to sharpen digital marketing strategy and audience targeting.
- Partner with designers and developers to translate data insights into product and campaign decisions.
- Run experiments and A/B tests to measure the impact of new features and campaigns.
Research Data Analyst — Chief Editors
Sep 2024 – PresentSouth Africa · Remote
- Lead quantitative and qualitative analysis (SPSS, Stata, NVivo, ATLAS.ti) supporting editorial and research decisions.
- Direct PhD-level research data analysis projects contracted with the University of Johannesburg and Stellenbosch University.
- Develop ERP systems and WhatsApp-based chatbots within the business wing, extending the company's tech offering.
- Produce analytical reports and communicate complex findings to non-technical stakeholders.
- Ensure data accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and ethical handling of research data.
Researcher, Big Data & AI — Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing
Jul 2024 – Jun 2025Harare, Zimbabwe
- Supported AI and Big Data research projects, including agentic AI systems and LLM-based applications.
- Assisted with data collection, preprocessing, experimentation and model testing.
- Prepared technical documentation, literature reviews and research reports.
- Trained university students in Parallel Computing and AI through hands-on tutorials and lab sessions.
- Contributed to AI literacy programs and institutional capacity-building initiatives.
Big Data Analyst Intern — Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing
Jul 2023 – Jun 2024Harare, Zimbabwe
- Worked with parallel computing environments and Hadoop-based data storage systems.
- Designed interactive dashboards in Power BI.
- Supported ETL processes, data validation and data quality assurance.
Data Analyst Intern — Yirifi
Jan 2023 – Jul 2023Singapore · Remote
- Conducted web scraping, data cleaning and exploratory data analysis (EDA) using Python.
- Generated insights to support business and product decision-making.
- Worked independently in a remote, deadline-driven environment.
Projects
Systems people actually used
Intelligent Learning Management System
An AI-enabled LMS built for Tech4Education, supporting adaptive learning paths and analytics-driven education — surfacing where students struggle before a teacher has to ask.
View code ↗ZCHPC Xen Orchestra Platform
A web-based virtualization management platform for the Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing — monitoring, control, backup and analytics across the compute cluster.
ERP Systems — Chief Editors Business Wing
Custom ERP systems built for business-wing clients at Chief Editors — covering inventory, invoicing and reporting workflows tailored to each operation.
View live ↗WhatsApp-Based Business Chatbots
Automated WhatsApp chatbots for customer engagement, support and lead capture, deployed for business-wing clients at Chief Editors.
Chat on WhatsApp ↗Education & Certifications
The foundation underneath
Education
Master of Science in Data Science
University of Johannesburg
Starting February 2027
BSc (Honours) Data Science & Systems
University of Zimbabwe — Upper Second Class (2.1)
2021 – 2025
Certifications & Training
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics
ZCHPC — Credit Pass, Average 76%
IBM Data Analysis with Python
Coursera
Introduction to Corporate Finance
Coursera
Awards & Academic Activity
Beyond the desk
Abstract Presenter — SARSYC
Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference, Gaborone, Botswana. Presented original research on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Education to a regional academic audience.
Referees
People I've worked with
Contact details are hidden by default — tap reveal.
Raymond Zenda
Deputy Director
Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing
"Craig combines technical depth with genuine curiosity, reliable on any data challenge we put in front of him."
Saurav Bhatia
CEO & Founder
Yirifi
"Sharp, self-directed, and delivers even in high-pressure, deadline-driven remote work."
Dr Mutsvene
Director
Chief Editors
"Meticulous with data and a clear communicator, an asset to any research team."
Panashe Mhonde
Founder
Red Cup Series
"Craig brings a rare mix of data rigor and product thinking, a genuine asset to the team."