The School of Mathematics & Statistics is looking for a Chair in Statistical Science to join one of the largest Statistics & Data Analytics groups in the UK. The School and the Statistics & Data Analytics group foster a collegiate and supportive environment, encouraging collaborative research within and across disciplines. Continuing growth in the group is a result of strategic investment into our AI3 initiative of ‘Analytics and Inference Innovation for Impact’ to further enhance and diversify staff interests and expertise within the group, for more information click here. This initiative combines our existing success across research and teaching innovation into a centre of excellence in the areas of statistics, data analytics and applied data science.

The successful candidate will have an exemplary track record of internationally-leading research, delivering research-led education and demonstrating excellence in teaching coupled with a track record of research income. You will be a transformative academic leader, with a commitment to providing collegiate leadership as a positive, inspirational role model across this world-class academic unit. Effective leadership at Glasgow is essential to achieving our vision of a world-changing university, as set out in our strategy, ‘World Changers Together’. The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership capabilities, with success in defining and developing research and teaching strategy and operational delivery.

Applications are welcome in any areas of methodological and/or computational statistical research driven by substantive application that complement and/or enhance the existing strengths within the School. We offer an inclusive environment that particularly encourages applications from those within under-represented groups in our discipline, and with an interest in the innovation of learning and teaching within Statistics.

Job Purpose 

Take a senior leadership role by conducting internationally-leading research, delivering research-led education and demonstrating excellence in teaching that supports the strategic objectives and priorities of the School/College in line with the University’s ambitions, and makes a substantial contribution to enhancing teaching and research within the School/College. To influence the development of both the Statistics & Data Analytics group and the School strategy in this key leadership role, promoting collegiality and leading mentorship for early career staff.

Undertake substantial responsibilities associated with managing external stakeholder relationships that enhance the University’s reputation, advance knowledge exchange, public understanding and outreach and strengthen links with professional bodies.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership across the Statistics & Data Analytics group, the School and College in relation to research in order to enhance the quality of the School’s international research profile, including conducting personal research of the highest quality and maintaining a consistent high-level output of publications and presentations of world-class quality.

• Sustain internationally leading high-quality research activity, seeking and securing funding for a portfolio of research projects through grant applications to external funding bodies, e.g. Research Councils and mentoring early career staff to support their development in securing funding.

• Take a leading role across the School and College in relation to strategic learning and  teaching initiatives through: embedding a research-led, evidence-based ethos in teaching  and learning; leading on teaching collaborations and teaching innovations; and influencing teaching and assessment practices and policy across the School/College.

• Undertake academic management and leadership roles and responsibilities across the School and College in a manner that enhances the student experience, ensures programmes are internationally benchmarked and of international standing, and that values and supports a culture of enhancement.

• Demonstrate leadership in supervising research projects undertaken by research staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students and ensure the effective development of the staff and students. Actively engage with potential research students of high calibre intending to undertake postgraduate and doctoral research, building effective working relationships and supervising to completion.

• Make a substantial contribution to University Committees/Working Groups to ensure the advancement of learning and teaching policies and practice that align with local and international challenges in Higher Education, evolving student needs and other related changes in the University’s strategic context.

• Build effective internal and external collaborations to support the development and mentoring of academic staff and their learning, and to enhance research and teaching within the School and College.

• Represent the School/College/University on key external bodies and at significant external events nationally and internationally to promote excellence in research and teaching, and the development of professional practice.

• Ensure a substantial track record of, and demonstrate leadership in, knowledge creation and transfer, ensuring impact on external bodies and contributions to public understanding and contributing fully to key strategic initiatives that underpin School, College and University strategies for external engagement.

• Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.

• To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Qualifications 

Essential:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or equivalent in related discipline with an extensive and established reputation in research and significant teaching experience within Statistical Science.

A2 An established and internationally-recognised reputation for high-quality research and knowledge exchange in Statistical Science.

A3 A thorough understanding of, and track record in, contributing to broader academic leadership and management at School/RI/Service/College level.

A4 Engagement with the current and future priorities of University/College/Service strategies, aims and ambitions.

A5 Membership of a relevant professional body.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Essential:

C1 Proven ability to lead and deliver high quality and innovative University teaching, including assessment and curriculum development.

C2 A track record of research income generation from a range of sources.

C3 Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of research issues and debates, both nationally and internationally, and future direction of research and teaching in the subject area.

C4 Maintaining a portfolio of research activity of international quality, reputation and impact.

C5 Providing academic leadership across the School/College, leading innovation and management of teaching, setting standards and monitoring progress.

C6 Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels within the Subject, School, College, University, and beyond, in the academic, policy and practitioner communities.

C7 Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to foster collegiality and collaborative working.

C8 Proven ability to foster research collaborations with colleagues in other disciplines, Schools, Colleges and Universities as appropriate.

C9 Proven project, people and budget management skills

C10 Leading student supervision and mentoring/coaching early career staff, providing specialist advice, support and academic leadership.

C11 Contributing to the academic leadership and management of the School/College, e.g. by chairing committees and leading on key processes and new initiatives.

C12 Demonstrated commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

C13 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Terms & Conditions 

Salary will be within the Professorial range and subject to negotiation.

This appointment will be subject to the whole powers and conditions of any Act of Parliament, Ordinances, and Law affecting the University. The appointment is a whole-time appointment, the Professor undertaking to accept paid outside work only with the prior consent of the University Court. This provision does not apply to examinerships and such other appointments as are incidental to the ordinary course of University business.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

Informal Enquiries should be directed to Professor Janine Illian , Janine.Illian@glasgow.ac.uk

Closing date: 23:45 on 30th March 2025