Data Science Leader (Math & Stats) — Reader/Professor in Newcastle upon Tyne

Reader/Professor in Mathematical or Statistical Data Science

Location: Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Open Ended

Working Pattern: Full Time

Posted Date: 15 May 2026

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

The role:

• Applications are invited at Reader or Professor level in Mathematical or Statistical Data Science, broadly interpreted to include AI.
• The role will be based within the Statistics and Data Science section in the School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics (MSP), with a flexible start date to be agreed.
• You will be expected to carry out excellent research and teaching in an area of Mathematical and/or Statistical Data Science which complements and strengthens existing activities within the School.
• Engage with applied Data Science across a wide range of disciplines within the University, including the School of Computing and the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
• Contribute to the research profile of the Statistics and Data Science Section within MSP by publishing in internationally recognised journals, demonstrating research impact, and securing external research funding.
• Be a key contributor to the Data Science 2030 (DS2030) faculty project to broaden our institutional offering in data science.
• Lead and contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives across statistics and data science and related fields.
• Publish refereed articles in venues of international standing appropriate to Data Science.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Statistics and Data Science section, and with colleagues from other disciplines within the university on applied Data Science.
• Seek out funding opportunities and develop grant-funded research projects.
• Attract, supervise, and mentor doctoral researchers and postdoctoral associates across a broad range of Data Science disciplines.
• Build and maintain strategic links with industry, government and external stakeholders.
• Lead the design and delivery of research-inspired teaching.
• Deliver high-quality teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and contribute to programme development, accreditation, and academic leadership in education.
• Carry out administrative duties as assigned by the Head of School and the School Executive Board.

The Person:

• Excellent grasp of both the Mathematical and/or Statistical foundations of Data Science.
• An outstanding research profile commensurate with career stage, with a strong publication record in Mathematical and/or Statistical Data Science.
• A record of successful research income generation, either in own name or as a major contributor.
• A strong track record of successful supervision of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Demonstrable ability to effectively teach at university level, including experience of programme development.
• Evidence of development of, and ability to deliver, innovative and effective teaching and learning materials across a broad range of statistics and data science modules.
• Experience of university leadership or significant administrative roles.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, and ability to engage effectively across the academic unit, Faculty and external stakeholders.
• Ability to pro-actively lead on ambitious academic initiatives such as Data Science 2030.
• Experience of leadership and management in academic or industrial settings.
• Strategic thinking, with experience of contributing to organisational development and change.

Additional Criteria – Professor:

• An internationally recognised research leader with a substantial record of publications in leading journals, significant research funding, and demonstrable impact.
• A proven ability to lead large-scale, collaborative research programmes or institutional initiatives.
• A sustained record of academic leadership, including contributions to School, Faculty, or national-level strategy.

Attributes and Behaviour:

• Ability to lead or co-lead within Statistics and Data Science, setting clear direction, inspiring colleagues, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
• Strong interpersonal and team-working skills, with a clear commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing academic environment.
• Commitment to mentoring and developing early-career researchers.
• Demonstrates an ambitious, credible research vision aligned to School priorities.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and resilience in the face of change.
• An ability to advance equity and fairness in higher education through inclusive teaching, research, or professional practice.

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent experience in Data Science, or closely related disciplines such as Mathematics, Statistics, or Machine Learning.
• A Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent experience.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.