Professor of Mathematics and AI

Presentations and interviews will take place across the 12th and 13th December. 

The School of Mathematical Sciences at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a Professor to take a prominent, strategic role in the leadership of MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems – Lancaster University. MARS, which is funded by a £12m investment from Research England, will conduct research and teaching at the interface of dynamical mathematical modelling and artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on using applied mathematics to address real-world challenges. 

As part of the senior MARS leadership group, you will be responsible for shaping the formation and direction of this new 10 FTE unit within the School of Mathematical Sciences. You will have an outstanding track record of research in the mathematics of AI and/or applied mathematics of real-world challenges; demonstrable experience of building a positive, inclusive and collaborative research culture; and a vocation for nurturing staff and developing an outward-facing talent pipeline. You will be able to evidence excellence in scientific leadership and the ability to bring this to MARS, the wider School and the University. 

A strong track record of securing external research funding and publishing in internationally-leading Mathematical Sciences journals is essential. Ideally, you will have an application focus in at least one of the following MARS key application areas: cyber security, engineering, environment and health. 

You will have considerable experience of translating foundational mathematical findings into real-world solutions, through partnerships outside of the academic sector, and will be able to foster new collaborations with researchers from other disciplines and with non-academic organisations. You will be an enthusiastic ambassador for MARS and for the discipline of mathematics. 

This is a full-time, indefinite post and flexible working arrangements will be considered. 

Informal enquiries should be made to the Head of MARS, Professor Chris Jewell c.jewell@lancaster.ac.uk or the Director of Research, Professor Rebecca Killick r.killick@lancaster.ac.uk. 

Lancaster University promotes equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and we welcome applications from all diversity groups.

About MARS

MARS is an ambitious new initiative at Lancaster University, expanding on our excellence in impactful and industrially engaged research.  With new academic posts supported by research staff and PhD students, MARS will revolutionise Lancaster’s research capacity in mathematics connecting systems modelling and AI methods, to support its flagship strategies in the applied sciences of cyber security, engineering, environment and health. 

New undergraduate and postgraduate programmes will provide opportunities to address a major skills-gap in the principles underlying AI and their application to real-world systems. These activities will reach out to industry and government partners as regional, national, and global leaders in next-generation mathematics.

Backed by investment from Research England, MARS will become a unique national capability in the North West, pushing the boundaries of AI-driven modelling to tackle key challenges in the modern world.

About the School of Mathematical Sciences

The School aims to meet the needs of each staff member within an inclusive environment: new members are provided with mentoring and support from a carefully selected group of colleagues, with a lead individual taking responsibility for personal and professional development. We have held Athena Swan Bronze awards at University (2008) and School (2017) level, and we are a registered supporter of the London Mathematical Society’s Good Practice Scheme.

General information about the school can be found at  https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/maths/

Please attach a Research Statement detailing your current research, how you see this progressing, and any other details you deem relevant to the post. Please keep this to no more than 2 sides of A4.

Please attach a Teaching Statement detailing your teaching experience, methods, vision for future teaching, and list what modules you think are imperative in teaching an undergraduate, or postgraduate course in Mathematics and AI. Please keep this to no more than 2 sides of A4.

Please attach a Vision Statement detailing your past and present leadership experience, and your vision for MARS. Please keep this to no more than 2 sides of A4.