Address
Form of work
SalaryPosition Details
School of Mathematics
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2026
Closing date: 4th April 2024
Background
The School of Mathematics welcomes applications for a Research Fellowship in Statistics to work on the recently funded £1.5 million UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project ‘Computational Statistics to Tackle Modern Slavery’, led by Dr Rowland Seymour. The goal of the project is to develop computational statistical methods to map 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
This project will develop Bayesian methods, Bayesian nonparametric ones in particular, to better estimate the prevalence of modern slavery. Effective Bayesian nonparametric methods are powerful in problem-based research. Bayesian nonparametric methods replace specific modelling assumptions with weak distributional ones. This provides more accurate inferential and counterfactual analysis, as the methods are not driven by arbitrary modelling assumptions. Analysis using current Bayesian nonparametric methods can be i. slow to carry out, and ii. have larger uncertainty than parametric methods. These issues make Bayesian nonparametric methods unfeasible for researchers in the social sciences and reduce their utility for policy makers. The work in the project will develop efficient computational algorithms to i. perform inference for models with Bayesian nonparametric methods, making them attractive to use, and ii. develop frameworks for dealing with uncertainty in the modelling process.
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.
Applicants should have a PhD (or near to completion) in Statistics or another relevant subject area, a strong 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), a list of publications 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 Bronze 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 objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- 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 completion of 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 Dr Rowland Seymour, email: r.g.seymour@bham.ac.uk or Dr Panayiota Touloupou, email: p.touloupou@bham.ac.uk
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 one of our values. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .
