Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in actuarial data science and teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Company: Join the renowned Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, remote work options, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic field while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD in actuarial science or statistics with a strong research track record.
- Other info: Collaborate with global researchers on climate change and healthcare initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 actuarial science and statistics by appointing an Assistant Professor in Actuarial Data Science, or a related actuarial statistics area. This is an open-ended position.
Applicants are invited from all areas of actuarial data science. Those working in statistical learning, actuarial statistics or relevant areas 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 actuarial data science which includes fields such as statistical learning, actuarial statistics, computational statistics and related 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.
About our Team: The Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics has a warm, supportive environment with staff from all over the world. The Department is internationally renowned in actuarial science, statistics and statistical data science, applied probability and financial risk, through its world-leading research activities. It offers several high-quality degree programmes in actuarial science and actuarial management, all of which are accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. As part of the Maxwell Institute, we are ranked 3rd in the UK for the excellence and breadth of our research, in the 2021 UK government's 5-yearly assessment of university research.
The Department is looking to further strengthen its actuarial science and statistics group, to support its ambitions to enhance and expand its expertise in these areas. Our staff work in various fields, such as actuarial statistics, Bayesian statistics, statistical learning, and epidemiology. We have close ties and collaborations with researchers at the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, through the Maxwell Institute, under the "Data and decisions" research theme.
In line with this, the Department is seeking to further its research contributions to the University's Global Research Institutes (GRIs), particularly the two GRIs concerning climate change and sustainability, and healthcare. The GRIs are a means to address the multi-disciplinary research challenges in these fields, to connect and focus the research efforts of academics across the University.
In the University structure, the Department sits within the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, along with the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science. The School is a partner in the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, an institute that brings together the mathematical research activities at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The Maxwell Institute is an internationally pre-eminent, collaborative centre for research and for postgraduate training in the mathematical sciences. It offers an environment that can attract and foster the very best mathematical talent from around the world.
The International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), located in the centre of Edinburgh, is another physical and networking resource for our staff. ICMS attracts top international mathematical visitors all year round through its extensive programme of international workshops, meetings, and other research and outreach activities. Many of our staff spend a couple of days a week there, to meet with collaborators at the University of Edinburgh.
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.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead, carry out and publish internationally excellent research in actuarial data science, actuarial statistics 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.
The successful candidate will be based at our Edinburgh campus in the UK.
Education, Qualifications and Experience:
- PhD in actuarial science, statistics, or a related field.
- Track-record of high-quality research in the areas of 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.
- 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, including a list of publications; (3) an outline of their research plans for the next few years; and (4) a one-page summary of their teaching philosophy or approach to teaching. Applications can be submitted until midnight on Monday 9th February 2026.
If you have any questions, or would like to explore whether this opportunity is right for you, you are welcome to contact the Head of Department, Professor George Streftaris.
Assistant Professor in Actuarial Data Science (T&R) in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Professor in Actuarial Data Science (T&R) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to actuarial data science. It's a great way to meet potential colleagues and collaborators, and who knows, you might just bump into someone from Heriot-Watt University!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research! Prepare a solid presentation of your work that highlights your achievements in actuarial data science. This will not only impress interviewers but also demonstrate your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to current faculty members at Heriot-Watt University to discuss your research interests and how they align with the department's goals. This shows initiative and can help you stand out from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to submit your application via the Heriot-Watt University online recruitment system. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor in Actuarial Data Science (T&R) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and highlight how your experience aligns with the position. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your passion for actuarial data science show!
Showcase Your Research Experience: When detailing your CV, focus on your research achievements. Include publications, citations, and any funding you've secured. We’re looking for candidates who can lead and innovate in research, so make sure this shines through in your application.
Outline Your Teaching Philosophy: Don’t skip the teaching philosophy summary! This is your opportunity to share how you engage students and foster learning. We value innovative teaching methods, so be sure to include examples of how you’ve made a positive impact in the classroom.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via the Heriot-Watt University online recruitment system. It’s the easiest way for us to review your materials, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research in actuarial data science confidently. Be prepared to explain your methodologies, findings, and how they contribute to the field. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a role that involves leading research.
✨Tailor Your Teaching Philosophy
Craft a teaching philosophy that aligns with the department's goals. Highlight innovative teaching methods you've used or plan to use, especially in statistics and actuarial science. This will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing student learning and engagement.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience working with industry partners or on interdisciplinary projects. The department values collaboration, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to achieve research or teaching objectives.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about the department's future research directions or how they support faculty in obtaining funding. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
