Professor in Statistics (Chair) - AC2503LS

Start Date: January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of St Andrews is seeking to enhance its research strength in Statistics by appointing a new Chair in Statistical Ecology, in advance of the retiral of a current Chair. We would welcome applications from candidates whose research includes statistical ecology or statistical methods applied in ecology or environmental sciences. With machine learning set to be central to the future of statistical ecology, we also welcome applications from candidates whose research is focused on machine learning / AI in statistical ecology.

*An appointment at Reader level (salary range: £59,139 - £66,537 per annum) will also be considered for an outstanding early-career candidate who could rapidly develop and grow their research portfolio and reputation in post, with the job description to be amended accordingly.

Our primary strength in statistics has been in statistical ecology, centred on the world-leading Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM). Most CREEM staff are statisticians in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, but there are also strong links with the Schools of Biology and Computer Science. The statistics group also has links with the School of Medicine, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. There are also opportunities for collaboration with Research Groups within pure and applied mathematics, including our Research Group in Mathematical Biology.

We have strong and growing Masters programmes in Statistics, with MSc programmes in Statistical Ecology, Statistics, Applied Statistics and Data Mining and Data-Intensive Analysis which is run jointly with the School of Computer Science. Mathematics run MScs in Mathematics and Mathematical Biology.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays.
• Financial contribution to relocation.
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies.
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services.
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel.
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme.
• A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters.

For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact the Head of School, Dr Antonia Wilmot-Smith (mathshos@st-andrews.ac.uk), or the Co-Heads of Statistics, Professor Len Thomas (len.thomas@st-andrews.ac.uk) and Dr Chris Sutherland (css6@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

Closing Date: 21 July 2025 

Interview Date: 27 August 2025

Please quote ref: AC2503LS

Further Particulars: AC2503FPs.pdf

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