Associate Professor (Research and Education) in Statistics and Data Science - School of Mathematics

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an Associate Professor in Statistics and Data Science. The successful candidate will have a strong research background and contribute to teaching and academic citizenship. The role includes overseeing teaching programmes, conducting high-quality research, and participating in departmental activities. An excellent PhD and experience in mentoring are essential. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Birmingham.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Mathematics or a related field.
• Internationally recognized research record.
• Strong commitment to teaching and service.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to teaching, research, and administration at a senior level.
• Lead major teaching programmes and enhance student experience.
• Maintain a national and international research reputation.

Skills

Research excellence

Teaching experience

Fundraising skills

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Mathematics or related field

Job description

Overview

School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham – Associate Professor in Statistics and Data Science. Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK. Full time, permanent position. Closing date: 25 September 2025. UK and international travel may be required. The post includes participation in the Academic Development Programme for new Assistant Professors, aimed at promotion to Associate Professor at the end of five years.

Background

Applications are invited for an Associate Professor post in the School of Mathematics, in Statistics and Data Science. The School comprises over 70 research-active academic staff, about 20 postdoctoral researchers, and around 50 postgraduate students, with research groups across multiple areas. The School is committed to expanding its research and education programmes in Statistics and Data Science and seeks to appoint an Associate Professor to contribute to these strategic goals through high-quality research and undergraduate/postgraduate teaching. The successful candidate will also contribute to management/leadership and enterprise activities as appropriate.

The minimum qualification is a PhD (or equivalent) in Mathematics or a related field. Candidates are expected to have or be developing an internationally recognized research record, and a strong commitment to teaching, mentoring and service. Experience in attracting external funding is desirable. Applicants with research in emerging areas or the mathematical underpinnings of Statistics and Data Science are encouraged to apply.

The School aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment. We encourage applications from the widest community and promote equal opportunities in recruitment. The School holds Athena SWAN Silver; participates in the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme; is a member of Piscopia; and the University holds Advance HE\'s Race Equality Charter. The University is an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer.

In addition to the application form, please upload: a cover letter, a CV (including full publication list), a research statement (3 pages maximum), a teaching statement (2 pages maximum), and the names and emails of three referees.

Role Summary

You will contribute at a senior level to teaching, research and administration, and contribute to academic citizenship through collaborative relationships with staff and students. You may be involved in leadership of major teaching programmes and enhancement of the student experience and employability. You are expected to maintain an established national and international research reputation with a record of impact, and to contribute to school management and enterprise activities as appropriate.

Main Duties

Education

• Contribute to the pedagogical knowledge base of the subject, including development of teaching resources or practice-based research.
• Lead on the management and development of teaching and learning approaches, including innovative digital resources/environments.
• Lead curriculum design at module and programme level to ensure contemporary, inclusive and challenging provision.
• Engage students in curriculum design and provide evidence of effective practices.
• Contribute to debates on education policy and practice through publications and conference activity.
• Develop an external profile through involvement in external quality assurance activities and education in other institutions.
• Play a role in recruitment and admission of students; co-supervise doctoral students to completion.
• Lead development of teaching, learning and assessment policies and strategies; act as an education mentor to colleagues.
• Lead development of new approaches to learning and teaching, potentially underpinned by research and evaluation; contribute to high-value impact in knowledge transfer and enterprise.
• Conduct teaching and examining across a range of levels, plan and review approaches, develop proposals, supervise, mark and examine. Ensure teaching practice is informed by discipline-based research.

Research

• Undertake sustained research through original work, conference contributions and related activities; supervise and advise on research projects.
• Lead successful funding bids; publish internationally excellent research with a growing international reputation.
• Supervise PhD students and provide expert advice; peer-review journals and grant applications; lead sustained impact including public engagement and policy contributions.
• Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the research.

Management/Administration

• Lead activities within the Department/School and represent the School on committees; contribute to research and teaching assessment and international engagement.
• Develop and manage staff and resources to support major activities; contribute to strategy for research and learning/teaching.
• Contribute to knowledge transfer, enterprise and public engagement with sustained impact; promote equality and diversity; use data to address equality issues.
• Lead or participate in external committees and initiatives; manage projects to implement new processes; contribute to widening participation and public understanding of the discipline.
• Participate in administrative activities within the University as appropriate.

Citizenship

• Identify wellbeing issues and develop solutions; promote collective ownership of challenges; mentor and coach colleagues, especially early-career staff.

Person Specification

• Normally a higher degree relevant to the research/teaching area (usually PhD) or equivalent qualifications.
• Demonstrated excellence in research with competence in learning/teaching and management/administration.

Learning and Teaching Requirements

An excellent teaching profile with evidence of impact and quality, informed by scholarship. Where appropriate, evidence of success in: national reputation for teaching excellence; use of diverse teaching methods and assessments; contributions to programme development and learning resources; impact on student experience and employability; mentoring and advice to colleagues.

Research Requirements

An excellent national and developing international profile through original research and impact. Evidence of success in: high-quality publications; supervision of doctoral students; external funding; knowledge transfer and enterprise impact.

Management and Administration Requirements

Demonstrated achievement in management/administration, with success in leading activities, significant contributions to departmental/college/university administration, equality and diversity initiatives, and active participation in committees and strategic activities.

Informal enquiries: Professor Jinglai Li ([e-mail]) and Professor Olga Maleva ([e-mail]).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion—We are committed to equality and inclusivity, with accreditations including Athena SWAN Silver, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident. Details are on our website.