Deadline: 13 may 2022

Chair in Computational Mathematics

Job Description

Heriot-Watt University has developed from its Scottish roots to become a global University on five campuses which specialises in science, engineering and business & finance. It has established a leading international reputation for cutting-edge research and pioneering education – producing graduates fit for the future world.

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 research and advanced postgraduate programmes. We foster a challenging and developmental environment for our undergraduates 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 Maxwell-Institute Graduate School in Modelling, Analysis & Computation (MAC-MIGS) is an EPSRC-funded CDT that forms a key part of MIGS – admitting 75 PhD students over from 5 cohorts from Sep 2019.

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.

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences has an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and is committed to an equality charter, which includes having a diverse and inclusive workforce, and to offering equality of opportunity to all. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, and we welcome requests for flexible working arrangements, and will endeavour to accommodate them whenever possible.

Detailed Description

The Department of Mathematics wishes to appointment a leader for its activities in computational mathematics and numerical analysis. We would also expect the successful candidate to take on an active role in the leadership team of our MAC-MIGS Centre for Doctoral Training and contribute to defining its future strategy. We have an established group with expertise in numerical analysis and computational mathematics – with two new early career appointments currently under way – as well as a new and vibrant group on computational statistics. The post holder will have a unique opportunity to support a sizeable group of talented early career colleagues and define the future research directions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Lead, carry out and publish internationally excellent research in mathematics;
- Build a research group in their field by actively pursuing research funding through the submission of high-quality grant proposals;
- Play a key role in the success of MAC-MIGS and lead in the development of future CDT bids;
- Further knowledge exchange activities; - Carry out such administrative and recruitment activities as may be required to achieve these aims;
- Develop and deliver innovative teaching in mathematics at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and work successfully in global teaching teams;
- 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. 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 and innovate in 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

E1. PhD in mathematical sciences

E2. Track-record of internationally-leading research with excellent publications in computational mathematics or numerical analysis.

E3. Skills to develop and teach a range of lecture courses in mathematics, as well as supervise MSc dissertations.

E4. Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.

E5. Potential, ambition and plans to obtain research funding.

E6. Skills to supervise PhD students.

Desirable Criteria

D1. Track record of obtaining research funding.

D2. Track record of successful supervision of PhD students and PDRAs.

D3. Experience of working with industrial partners.

D4. Potential to provide leadership in the development and implementation of research strategy within Mathematics.

D5. Potential to provide leadership in the planning, organisation and development of learning and teaching activities in Mathematics.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to the 13th May 2022.

Interested applicants must submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system in a single pdf : (1) a cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) a full CV; (3) A summary of their research and teaching plans; and (4) a list of publications.

Informal enquiries may be made to: Professor Robert Weston, Head of Mathematics, r.a.weston@hw.ac.uk.

Please contact Yvonne Constantino, y.constantino@hw.ac.uk should you have any difficulties applying or have any questions.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

• Apply here