Chair in Statistical Science
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
The University has been at the forefront of change, excellence and innovation for over 570 years. Our history is bound with that of Glasgow and Scotland, and we are outward-looking, international and strengthening our position in the world’s top 100 research-intensive universities.
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.
School of Mathematics & Statistics
The School of Mathematics & Statistics is the home of the mathematical and statistical sciences within the University of Glasgow. It is one of the six Schools which constitute the College of Science and Engineering, which in turn is one of the four Colleges within the University.
The School is large, growing and diverse. It offers full undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at all levels and it undertakes research of high international standard. At the last REF, the School scored top in Scotland overall, as well as finishing top in Impact in Scotland and the Russell Group, and 5th in the UK overall. We have research groups of international excellence in all of the main areas of the subject, traditionally described as pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, although we increasingly have research activity which blurs these descriptions and additionally overlaps with computing science domains. The School currently has 79 academic staff across mathematics and statistics, together with over 120 PhD students, 25 research associates and is supported by 15 student support and administrative staff. We currently have 6 Rankin-Sneddon Research Fellows in Mathematics, 1 Scott-Titterington and 1 Mitchell Fellow, both in Statistics and Data Analytics, in addition to various externally funded fellowship positions.
Statistics & Data Analytics
The Statistics & Data Analytics group has grown substantially in recent years, is continuing to expand, and is now one of the largest groups in Statistics in the UK. The AI3 strategy, of analytics and inference innovation for impact, provides a world-class environment to engage in research, and deliver teaching, that transforms the practice of statistics, data analytics and data science.
We are a highly collegiate, inclusive, and supportive group, with extensive collaborative research within and between disciplines, and with a variety of external partners across industry and public sector.
Research in Statistics and Data Analytics
The group is vibrant and dynamic with ambition to be a centre of excellence across both research and teaching across Statistics, Data Analytics and Data Science.
Research topics include:
Statistics and Data Analytics Impact
The group’s research generates positive impact on the economy, the environment, society, public policy, culture and the quality of life.
Impact themes include:
Examples of current external collaborators of the group include: Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Hutton Institute, Scottish Water, NatureScot, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, British Geological Survey, Natwest Group, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow City Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Canon Medical (ICAIRD), Scottish Covid 19 response consortium, UK Government Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, DEFRA, National Grid, SSE – Energy Services, Scottish Power, Environment Agency.
Examples of current internal University collaborators of the group include: Applied Maths; Schools of: Geographical and Earth Sciences, Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Health and Wellbeing, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Engineering, Computing Science, Physics and Astronomy, Social Sciences; Urban Big Data Centre; Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health; CRUK Scotland Institute; Public Health.
The Statistics & Data Analytics group and wider School has (and attracts) substantial research funding from main UK, European and worldwide research funders. Some recent awards led by (or with leading contributions from) the School include:
- “Complexity and scaling in the long-range collective movement of animals” (James S McDonnell Foundation)
- “Multiscale methods for inferring the structure and dynamics of collective animal behaviour” (Leverhulme Trust)
- “EPSRC Centre for Future PCI Planning” (EPSRC)
- The Leverhulme Programme for Doctoral Training in Ecological Data Science
- “Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation” GALLANT (NERC – strategic programme grant)
- Royal Statistical Society Mardia prize to develop interdisciplinary partnerships in ‘Analytics for Digital Earth’
- The SoftMech Statistical Emulation and Translation Hub
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields
The College is made up of six academic schools: Chemistry, Computing Science, Engineering, Geographical and Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Astronomy, and the research facility SUERC. The College has approximately 280 research and teaching staff; 252 post-doctoral researchers and 619 PhD students. Approximately 65 of the research and teaching staff are Early Career Researchers. Our undergraduate student population is ~5,100 and our annual intake of undergraduate students is ~1,700.
Our annual research income of in the region of £31 million is focused on addressing fundamental science and engineering, global needs and creating the emerging technologies of the 21st century.
The College delivers internationally recognised research and postgraduate degree programmes (taught and research), whose development is informed by the need to develop graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders of the future in their chosen career paths. Over the past five years, we have helped over 500 students to complete their doctoral studies and our students have gone on to take up prestigious posts in industries and across the globe.
The Athena SWAN Charter is a scheme which recognises excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education.
The College is committed to the key principles of Athena Swan designed to address gender inequalities and tackle unequal representation of women in science.
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 & 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, Inspiring People Changing the World.
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.
How to apply
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found by visiting our website:
The closing date for applications is 23:45 on Sunday 30th March 2025
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion in relation to this role, please contact Professor Janine Illian , Janine.Illian@glasgow.ac.uk
Terms & Conditions
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent). Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
- An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
- A flexible approach to working.
- A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Campus development plan
Our Vision
Over the next 10 years, the major investment will expand our campus footprint by 25%, creating a new urban quarter with the University at the heart of a revitalised west end. This is the largest development since the creation of the original campus in 1870.
This is a unique opportunity for a University to extend the boundaries of its historic core in a central city location. It will create:
- New learning and teaching facilities
- Refurbishment and repurposing of existing iconic buildings for specialist uses
- Identification and design of social spaces that support the student and community experience.
The expansion of our Gilmorehill campus into the 14 acre, former Western Infirmary site will transform the West End of Glasgow. The Masterplan for the site will incorporate:
- New learning and teaching facilities supporting our students and making sure they get the best in modern teaching and learning styles and approaches
- Creation of a Research Hub, housing large-scale multidisciplinary projects and incubator space for spin out collaborations with industry. This will encourage further innovation development
- New public cycle and pedestrian routes and a new central square which will link Byres Road to the up-and-coming cultural quarter for the West End, with new links to Kelvingrove and the newly-refurbished Kelvin Hall
- Refurbishment of five listed buildings: The Chapel, the Outpatients building, the Macgregor building, the Tennent Institute and Anderson College
- Commercial opportunities, including a hotel, restaurant, bars and cafes
- The state of the art Learning and Teaching Hub adjacent to the Boyd Orr building on University Avenue will be completed next year.
Find out more
Living in Glasgow
A UNESCO City of Music, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a food-lover’s delight, and a shopper’s paradise. Just some of the highlights of the ‘friendliest city in the world’. As well as that accolade by the Rough Guides poll, Glasgow has also been named a must visit destination by publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Wanderlust.
Music
The city hosts an average of 130 music events a week catering for every taste; from rock to rap, and classical to country. Glasgow also has a world class club scene playing host to some of the world’s top DJs.
Shopping
Outside of London’s West End, Glasgow is frequently voted the best place for shopping in the UK. A must-visit destination for any shop-a-holic, it houses high street chains, international designers, and independent retailers. The West End, home to the University of Glasgow, is bustling with vintage fashion, vinyl stores, and second-hand bookshops.
Arts and Culture
Glasgow’s arts scene has gone from strength to strength, and is the base for five internationally renowned performing arts companies including the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet. The city has several world-class museums, which are free to the public, and the city’s architecture is a work of art in itself.
Food and drink
You can be in Glasgow and taste the world with its many diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars. And if you’ve yet to sample the delights of haggis and whisky, Glasgow is the place to be.
The City and Beyond
Glasgow has all the opportunities and excitement of a big city but its compact size means you can quickly travel from one vibrant district to the next. You could be relaxing in one of its many parks, before shopping in the quirky West End, and then dancing until the wee small hours in the Merchant City.
And when you fancy getting out of the city you can reach the stunning Loch Lomond in just 30 minutes, climb one of our many breath-taking Munros, play golf at one of Scotland’s many world-class courses, visit one of our ancient castles, or go further North and search for Nessie! Scotland has also just been named the world’s most beautiful country by Rough Guides.
Relocating to Glasgow
Choosing to relocate to Glasgow is a big decision. There are numerous things to be considered, such as the costs of moving, the cost of living, and where exactly to relocate to. We have created two guides to aide you in the decision making process.
Find out more on relocating to Glasgow at the below link:
Our Family-Friendly Policies
We understand that family comes first. That is why we support our colleagues to work alongside their family responsibilities. The University has developed a number of initiatives to better support parents and those with caring responsibilities. These include:
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
WORLD CHANGING GLASGOW 2025
Our outstanding disciplinary breadth and expertise has enabled us to make world-changing advances in fields as diverse as medicine, physics, linguistics, public policy and global development.
The key to our success is our talented staff and students pushing back at the boundaries of knowledge and understanding together.
Our World Changers Together strategy recognises the fundamental importance of a culture of open cooperation: not just as colleagues and mentors or students and teachers, but as a community of discovery that reaches beyond its walls and draws inspiration and strength from its connections and partnerships worldwide: excellence that's part of something bigger. The strategy is articulated across three themes:
COMMUNITY
- People centred, globally engaged
CONNECTIVITY
- Collaboratively minded, digitally enhanced
CHALLENGES
- Solution focused, impact oriented
Find out more
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
Our values
The future holds innumerable challenges for our sector, our society, and our world. We will have to adapt and change what we do and what we offer if we are to navigate these successfully. Our strategy and approach may evolve as the landscape changes, but our values will remain constant: a fixed point of certainty in uncertain times.
We have identified our values in consultation and partnership with our staff and student community. Living and upholding these values will ensure that we remain true to the spirit of our community and ourselves:
Ambition and Excellence
- We strive for excellence through our work
- We defend academic freedom globally
- We recognise and celebrate shared success
- We have an unrelenting focus on development
Curiosity and Discovery
- We innovate and solve problems together
- We lead by influence and example
- We engage with lifelong learning and personal development
- We learn from our mistakes
Integrity and Truth
- We uphold honesty, integrity and fairness
- We share our work widely and generously
- We do the right thing, not the easy thing - or we don’t do it
- We take responsibility
An Inclusive Community
- We are one Glasgow team, and we care for and respect one another
- We advocate for diversity and believe in variety as a vital part of a healthy university
- We champion education as an engine for social progress
- We practise and advance sustainability