Assistant Professor in Statistics

Assistant Professor in Applied Statistics or Actuarial Data Science Job Description Directorate: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Open Ended Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Detailed Description The Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, is seeking to enhance and expand its strengths in research and teaching in statistics by appointing two Assistant Professors in Applied Statistics or Actuarial Data Science. These are both open-ended positions. Applicants are invited from any area of applied statistics, including statistical or actuarial data science. Those working in actuarial science, Bayesian statistics, statistical learning and/or actuarial statistics are particularly welcome to apply. Candidates who would like to work with the University’s multi-disciplinary Global Research Institutes in the areas of either climate change and sustainability, or healthcare are also welcomed. As a successful candidate, you will lead, carry out and publish internationally excellent research in your field. You will have a strong track record of research in applied statistics, actuarial or statistical data science which includes fields such as Bayesian statistics, statistical learning, actuarial statistics, computational statistics and statistical methodology. You will either be established or have the potential to establish yourself as an international research leader, with strong postdoctoral research experience and the ambition to build a world-class academic group. You will have the relevant experience to engage and innovate in our specialised actuarial, statistical, data science and financial teaching programmes. The School strongly encourages and supports the generation of industry impact from research, and we welcome candidates with experience of statistical work with industrial partners or working with the actuarial/insurance/financial industry. Key Duties and Responsibilities The post-holder will be required to: Lead, carry out and publish internationally excellent research in applied statistics, actuarial data science or statistical data science, or a related field; Apply for research funding through either the submission of high-quality grant proposals or funding from industry, with the goal of building a research group; Undertake knowledge exchange activities to promote and disseminate your research; Carry out such administrative and recruitment activities as may be required to achieve these aims; Develop and deliver innovative teaching in statistics, actuarial science and related fields at undergraduate and postgraduate level; Be responsible to the Head of Department for performing the activities listed above in a way that will maintain and enhance the School’s reputation for excellence. Education, Qualifications and Experience As a successful candidate, you will lead, carry out and publish internationally excellent research in your field. You will have a strong track record of research in applied statistics or actuarial data science – which may also include machine learning, financial risk and climate change risk – as demonstrated through publications, citations, external invitations and research funding. You will be established as an international research leader, with the ambition to build a world-class academic group and have the experience or potential to supervise PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. You will have the relevant experience to engage in and innovate our specialised actuarial, statistical, data science and financial degree programmes. You will have the drive and commitment to contribute to the expansion of our successful postgraduate programmes. PhD in statistics or statistical data science or actuarial science, or a related field. Track record of internationally-leading research in the areas of applied statistics or actuarial data science with internationally excellent publications. Demonstrable teaching experience related to courses in the Department, as well as skills to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills. Potential, ambition and plans to obtain research funding. Ability to supervise successfully PhD students. Track record of obtaining research funding. Track record of successful supervision of PhD students and/or post-doctoral researchers. Experience of statistical or actuarial work with industrial partners. Potential to provide leadership in the development and implementation of research strategy and in the planning, organisation and development of learning and teaching activities in the Department. How to Apply Interested applicants must submit via the Heriot-Watt University on-line recruitment system: (1) a cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) a full CV; (3) An outline of their research plans for the next few years; (4) A one-page summary of their teaching philosophy or approach to teaching; and (5) a list of publications. Applications can be submitted until midnight (UK Time) on Sunday 4th May 2025. Interviews expected to commence end of May 2025. If you have any queries, then please do not hesitate to contact either Professor Catherine Donnelly, Head of Department, C.Donnelly@hw.ac.uk or Professor George Streftaris, Deputy Head of Department, G.Streftaris@hw.ac.uk. The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences has an Athena SWAN Silver Award and is committed to its equality charter, which includes having a diverse and inclusive workforce, and to offering equality of opportunity to all. #J-18808-Ljbffr