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- Tasks: Lead and publish cutting-edge research in statistical data science while teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Company: Join the renowned Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for international teaching experience.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in research and education while collaborating with top international researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in statistics or related field with a strong research track record.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 52000 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 by appointing an Assistant Professor in Statistical Data Science, or related area. This is an open-ended position.
The successful candidate will lead, carry out and publish internationally excellent research, contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and play a key role in our joint BSc Data Science programme with Xidian University in Xi’an, China. Teaching in China is delivered in short blocks, offering a distinctive opportunity to gain international teaching experience and contribute to one of our most dynamic global programmes.
Applicants are invited from any area of statistical data science. Those working in statistical learning, actuarial statistics, financial mathematics 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 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 statistics, actuarial and financial mathematics group, to support its ambitions to enhance and expand its expertise in these areas. 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 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, financial mathematics or related fields at undergraduate and postgraduate level;
- Teach on the Data Science joint programme with Xidian University;
- 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 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 statistical, data science, actuarial and financial degree programmes. You will have the drive and commitment to contribute to the expansion of our teaching programmes.
Essential Criteria
- PhD in statistics, or related field.
- Track-record of high-quality research in areas of statistical 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 in Statistical Data Science.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
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 Statistical Data Science 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 Statistical Data Science in Midlothian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to statistical 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 practising common academic questions. Think about how you can demonstrate your teaching philosophy and research vision. We want to see your passion for statistical data science shine through!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor in Statistical Data Science in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Professor in Statistical Data Science. We want to see your passion for research and teaching, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Show Off Your Research: Since this role involves leading internationally excellent research, include details about your past projects, publications, and any funding you've secured. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their impact in the field!
Highlight Teaching Experience: Teaching is a big part of this role, so be sure to mention any relevant teaching experience you have. Whether it’s supervising students or delivering lectures, we want to know how you engage and inspire learners.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research in statistical 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.
✨Prepare for Teaching Scenarios
Since teaching is a big part of this role, think about how you would approach delivering a lecture or seminar. Prepare a brief outline of a potential lesson plan related to statistical data science. This will demonstrate your teaching style and ability to engage students.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Highlight any experience you have working with industry partners or in multi-disciplinary teams. The department values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked with others to achieve research goals or enhance teaching programmes.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the department's goals, especially regarding climate change and healthcare research. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with these areas and how you can contribute to their mission of generating industry impact from research.
