Role: Assistant Professor in Mathematics
Directorate: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Salary: Grade 8 - £47,389 - £58,225
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Open Ended
Purpose of the Role
The Department of Mathematics seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in Teaching and Research in any area of mathematics.
The successful candidate will contribute to the Department’s standard undergraduate and postgraduate courses. A key part of the role will be supporting our BSc Data Science joint programme with Xidian University in Xi’an, China. Teaching in China is delivered in short blocks, providing a distinctive opportunity to gain international teaching experience.
On the research side, you will be expected to produce high-quality research, secure research funding, and supervise PhD and postdoctoral students. While the research area is open, the ability to supervise bachelor’s and master’s theses in the broad field of Data Science is essential.
About our Team
The Department of Mathematics is part of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, which also includes the Departments of Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics and of Computer Science. The School is strongly oriented towards high quality undergraduate teaching, research, and advanced postgraduate programmes. We foster a challenging and developmental environment for our undergraduates and postgraduates who go on to excel in a diverse range of careers.
The Department of Mathematics forms part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, a joint research institute bringing together the mathematical research activities at Heriot-Watt University and at the University of Edinburgh. All our PhD students are part of the Maxwell Institute Graduate School (MIGS) that aims to be an internationally pre-eminent centre for postgraduate training and research in the mathematical sciences, and to offer an environment that is able to attract and foster the very best mathematical talent from around the world.
The Department is also a co-founder of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS). The ICMS stimulates and promotes the mathematical sciences through organising and hosting diverse international workshops and conferences. Its vibrant events programme attracts leading mathematical scientists from the UK and internationally - connecting mathematical communities across the world and greatly enhancing the mathematical environment in Edinburgh.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will be required to:
1. Lead, carry out and publish internationally recognised research in their research area.
2. Supervise PhD students and actively pursue research funding through the submission of high-quality grant proposals;
3. Contribute to the success of the Maxwell Institute through joint activities and grant applications;
4. Carry out such administrative and recruitment activities as may be required to achieve these aims;
5. Develop and deliver innovative teaching in mathematics at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and work successfully in global teaching teams;
6. Teach on the Data Science joint programme with Xidian University;
7. 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 candidates will be based at our Edinburgh, UK, campus.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for the role the candidate must have a PhD in the mathematical sciences and a strong research track record at international level, demonstrated through publications, citations, external invitations, and research funding.
They must also have the relevant experience or potential to be able to successfully engage with our undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics teaching programmes, including the supervision of PhD students. The Department has a strong collaborative ethos, and the successful candidate will have the aspiration to develop our world-class research activity and the drive and commitment to contribute to and develop our teaching programme.
Essential Criteria
8. E1: A PhD in mathematical sciences.
9. E2: A track-record of internationally recognised research with excellent publications.
10. E3: Demonstrated experience and aptitude for teaching at university level, as well as skills required to supervise projects in the area of Data Science.
11. E4: Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Desirable Criteria
12. D1: Track record of obtaining research funding.
13. D2: Track record of successful supervision of PhD students and/or PDRAs.
14. D3: 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.