University of St Andrews, School of Mathematics & Statistics
Chair/Reader in Statistical Ecology
Closing date for applications: 21 July
The University of St Andrews is seeking to enhance its research strength in Statistics by appointing a new Chair in Statistical Ecology, in advance of the retiral of a current Chair. We would welcome applications from candidates whose research includes statistical ecology or statistical methods applied in ecology or environmental sciences. With machine learning set to be central to the future of statistical ecology, we also welcome applications from candidates whose research is focused on machine learning / AI in statistical ecology.
An appointment at Reader level (US approximate equivalent Associate Professor) will also be considered for an outstanding early-career candidate who could rapidly develop and grow their research portfolio and reputation in post, with the job description to be amended accordingly.
Our primary strength in statistics has been in statistical ecology, centered on the world-leading Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM). Most CREEM staff are statisticians in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, but there are also strong links with the Schools of Biology and Computer Science. The statistics group also has links with the School of Medicine, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. There are also opportunities for collaboration with Research Groups within pure and applied mathematics, including our Research Group in Mathematical Biology.
We have strong and growing Masters programmes in Statistics, with MSc programmes in Statistical Ecology, Statistics, Applied Statistics and Data Mining and Data-Intensive Analysis which is run jointly with the School of Computer Science. Mathematics run MScs in Mathematics and Mathematical Biology.
Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:
- Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
- Financial contribution to relocation
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/
For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact the Head of School, Professor Antonia Wilmot-Smith (mathshos@st-andrews.ac.uk), or the Co-Heads of Statistics, Professor Len Thomas (len.thomas@st-andrews.ac.uk) and Dr Chris Sutherland (css6@st-andrews.ac.uk).
For more information, please see
https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/I/6462/0/449577/889/professor-in-statistics-chair-ac2503ls
and follow the link “Further Particulars” at the bottom of the page.
Closing date for applications:21 July 2025
Interview date: 27 August 2025
Salary: For Chair level, salary by negotiation; for Reader level, salary range: £57,696 - £64,914 per annum
Start date: January 2026 or as soon thereafter
Full time: 36.25hrs per week
Job reference: AC2503LS
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