Research Fellow in Statistics - School of Mathematics - 105830 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham invites applications for a research fellowship in statistics focusing on modern slavery. The successful candidate will engage in developing statistical methods, disseminating research findings, and working with law enforcement to tackle modern slavery. This full-time position offers a supportive environment within the School of Mathematics lasting until February 2028.

Benefits

Generous travel funding

Inclusive work culture

Qualifications

• Strong research contributions in applied or computational statistics.
• Fluency in Bayesian methods and familiarity with publication in journals.
• Ability to communicate complex statistical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on statistical models for modern slavery.
• Disseminate findings through publications and presentations.
• Supervise PhD students and contribute to funding bids.

Skills

Bayesian statistics

MCMC algorithms

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in Statistics or related fields

Job description

Job Description

Position Details

School of Mathematics

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2028

Closing date: 17th June 2025

UK and International travel may be required for this role

'Open House' Drop In Session: We will be holding an 'open house' drop in session at the University's Exchange building, in Centenary Square, Birmingham, between 10am and 5pm on Friday 6th June 2025. If you're interested in working at the University of Birmingham and perhaps have a few questions, this is an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Recruitment team. It will be a relaxed and informal event - you can drop in at any time.

Background

The School of Mathematics welcomes applications for a research fellowship in statistics to work on the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project 'Computational Statistics to Tackle Modern Slavery', led by Dr Rowland Seymour. The successful candidate will join a diverse and friendly research group with PhD students and a Research Software Engineer.

The goal of the project is to develop computational statistical methods to estimate the prevalence of modern slavery. We will then use these methods with partners in the law enforcement and third sectors to understand how modern slavery can be tackled. A video describing the project can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzPuuBnrIDc. The successful candidate will be developing Bayesian models for estimating the prevalence and risk of modern slavery. There will be a focus on Bayesian nonparametric methods and practical development of MCMC algorithms that can be applied to data. Translating the project findings into meaningful policy decisions will also be an important part of the project. Policy makers at local at national levels will be involved in the project, as well as partners in the law enforcement and third sectors.

The post is available for a period of 2.5 years. The starting date is 1st September 2025 (with some flexibility). The successful applicant will have access to generous travel funding to support dissemination of the project findings. Applicants should have a PhD in Statistics (or other relevant subject area) awarded or submitted at the time of taking up the position, a record of research and publications and familiarity with Bayesian Inference and Markov chain Monte Carlo. Please upload your CV, a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and names and emails of three contactable referees.

The School of Mathematics aims to provide a supportive and friendly environment for staff and research fellows to develop as researchers and lecturers. The School is a supportive and people-focused friendly environment, committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from the widest community and provide equal opportunities in our recruitment processes.

The School of Mathematics holds an Athena SWAN Silver award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia.

The School also supports the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme, whose aim is to support Mathematics departments to embed equal opportunities for women within their working practices, and is a member of the Piscopia which forms a UK-community of women and non-binary students and mathematics researchers.

The University of Birmingham holds the Advance HE's Race Equality Charter Bronze award, a framework through which we are working to self-reflect, identify and remove barriers standing in the way of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students. The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident employer.

Role Summary

• Conduct original research within the research project
• Disseminate research findings through publications, seminars/presentations etc
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research on statistical models and Bayesian inference methods for implementing them
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Work with external partners to facilitate impact and knowledge exchange
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Hold or be close to obtaining a PhD or equivalent qualification(s) in Statistics, Applied Statistics, Computational Statistics or related areas
• Track record of strong original research contributions in applied statistics, computational statistics, or related areas, including publications in leading subject-specific journals within that field
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Rowland Seymour, email: [e-mail] and Dr Panayiota Touloupou, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.