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- Tasks: Lead innovative research in actuarial data science and teach engaging courses.
- Company: Join a renowned department at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in actuarial science while collaborating with global experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in actuarial science or statistics and strong research background.
- Other info: Dynamic team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 58225 ÂŁ 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 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
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 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.
Essential Criteria
- 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.
Desirable Criteria
- 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.
Assistant Professor in Actuarial Data Science (T&R) in Midlothian 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 Midlothian
✨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 collaborators and get your name out there in the academic community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research! Create a personal website or an online portfolio showcasing your publications, projects, and teaching experience. This gives hiring committees a quick glimpse of your work and achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your teaching philosophy and research plans. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the department's goals, especially in areas like climate change and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor in Actuarial Data Science (T&R) in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in actuarial data science and related fields. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and achievements!
Show Off Your Research: Since this role is all about leading research, include a section that details your past research projects and publications. We’re keen to see your track record, so make it easy for us to understand your contributions to the field.
Teaching Experience Matters: Don’t forget to mention your teaching experience! Highlight any innovative teaching methods you’ve used and how you’ve engaged students in actuarial science or statistics. We love candidates who can inspire the next generation of data scientists.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 depth of knowledge and passion for your work.
✨Engage with Teaching Experience
Highlight your teaching experience and be ready to discuss innovative teaching methods you've used. Think about how you can engage students in statistics and actuarial science, as this role involves delivering high-quality education.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since the department values collaboration, be prepared to talk about any interdisciplinary projects you've been involved in. Discuss how you can contribute to the Global Research Institutes and work with industry partners.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their current research projects or how they envision the future of actuarial data science at the university. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the department.
