Professor in Applied Mathematics

Professor in Applied Mathematics

University of Limerick

Limerick, Ireland

JOB SYNOPSIS:

The University of Limerick (UL) seeks extraordinary, career-focused academics and is committed to the development of their research excellence. We are committed to making a difference by cultivating cutting edge research and shaping the future by educating and empowering our students. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UL is seeking to appoint a Professor of Applied Mathematics. We seek candidates with a leadership profile and an internationally recognised track record of research in one or more branches of applied mathematics. They will provide leadership that will influence and shape the output of the department and make a wider contribution to the success of the University through their participation in Faculty and university-wide governance and development activities. These activities will advance and consolidate the MACSI centre of excellence in applied mathematics and statistics research at the University of Limerick.

If you are seeking an academic career in a dynamic and cohesive Department of Mathematics and Statistics, then the new permanent Professor position in Applied Mathematics in our department should be of interest to you. The Department has a thriving research programme with a focus on the development of mathematical and statistical methods for real-world applications. Fields of interest include optimisation, continuum mechanics, numerical analysis, inverse problems, stochastic processes, heat and mass transfer, financial mathematics, complex systems, climate modelling and network science.

We seek candidates with a leadership profile and an internationally recognised track record of research in one or more branches of applied mathematics. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in their discipline with evidence of existing and further growth as a research leader. They will provide leadership that will influence and shape the output of the department and make a wider contribution to the success of the University through their participation in Faculty and university-wide governance and development activities. These activities will advance and consolidate an international centre of excellence in applied mathematics and statistics research at the University of Limerick. The successful candidate will lead a collaborative research programme which complements existing research themes within the Department. They will have a clear plan for contributing to the evolving research strategy of the MACSI research centre and will play a leading role in MACSI’s involvement in national research centres.

The Department has undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in mathematics and is also responsible for teaching mathematics and statistics at all levels across the University. The successful candidate is expected to: teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research, undertake administrative tasks associated with an academic position and undertake excellent research.

Research, Scholarship and Innovation:

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics seeks candidates who can show evidence of quality research outputs with impact, both within and beyond academia. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in their discipline along with experience as a research leader. Impact with one’s research, aligned with international standards in applied mathematics is essential.

Evidence of excellence and in research and scholarship is expected. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Consistent record of publishing research findings in high-impact, international peer reviewed journals and/or with other prestigious publishers, focusing on the quality, significance, innovation, and impact of the research within and beyond academia;
• Achieves a significant number of citations based on the quality and impact of the research inside and beyond academia;
• Presents research at prestigious national and international conferences, highlighting the impact, relevance, innovation, and contribution to the field;
• Serves as an editor, associate editor or special issue editor for prestigious academic journals, contributing to the advancement of scholarly publishing practices;
• Demonstrates a track record of successful research grant applications and funding, showcasing excellence, innovation, and leadership in securing research funding within the university context;
• Establishes and leads disciplinary and/or multidisciplinary research teams or consortia within the university, fostering collaboration, and driving research excellence and innovation;
• Engages in interdisciplinary collaborations or partnerships that drive innovation and impact and address complex societal issues;
• Demonstrates leadership in knowledge exchange activities, influencing policy making or industry practices based on research outcomes.

Mentorship and Career Planning:

The appointee may be assigned a mentor within the Department and one outside of the School under the UL Mentorship programme to guide their career development. A range of supports in career advancement are available. Working with their mentor and department head and during their first year of service, the Professor will develop a career plan as part of professional development. The plan will foster a long-term career orientation that will set the faculty member on course for cementing an international profile in their discipline and carving out a rewarding and satisfying academic career. The plan will also identify resources required to facilitate its achievement. The University of Limerick has a range of supports available for the creation of a research agenda enabled through competitive research funding.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment:

The University of Limerick encourages scholarship and research in teaching and learning, to help ensure that effective teaching is valued, supported, and developed and to encourage innovation in teaching and learning activities. Enhancing the learning and development experience for both teachers and students is a vital consideration for the University and supported by the Centre for Transformative Learning.

Experience in teaching is a requirement for a professor. The University of Limerick also offers pedagogical training to prepare faculty for an all-round career in academia. The University of Limerick also offers pedagogical training to prepare faculty for an all-round career in academia including the University of Limerick’s Post-Graduate qualifications in Learning, Teaching & Assessment in Higher Education. This is not necessary if the applicant has already fully completed a similar qualification at another university. The appointee will be assigned relevant teaching modules by the Head of the Department. Teaching experience related to the delivery of effective teaching, learning, and assessment should include:

• Demonstrates keen awareness and leadership of quality assurance and quality enhancement as well as the wider context for academic and professional practice of teaching at national/international level;
• Leads curriculum development initiatives at the program or departmental level, collaborating with colleagues to define learning outcomes and assessment criteria;
• Designs coherent and scaffolded learning pathways that foster deep understanding, creativity, and intellectual growth across the curriculum;
• Champions institutional initiatives to promote excellence in teaching and learning, advocating for evidence-based practices and pedagogical innovation;
• Receives prestigious awards or honours for leadership in teaching, recognising significant contributions to advancing teaching and learning at institutional, national, or international levels;
• Incorporates high-impact educational practices such as undergraduate research, service-learning, and experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum;
• Empowers students to take ownership of their learning through self-directed inquiry, reflection, and discovery.

Academic Service & Contribution to Society:

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive, collegial approach and will actively contribute to advancing the strategic goals of the University and Faculty. Prior experience of service contribution, including under the following headings, are essential:

• Contribution to the effective administration and functioning of the university, for example, active membership of department/faculty/institute/university committees and boards;
• Leads institutional or disciplinary initiatives to address critical issues in higher education, such as diversity and inclusion, academic integrity, or student success;
• Represents the institution as an active member on external committees, professional associations, policy or accreditation bodies;
• Receives recognition for exemplary service contributions at institutional, national, or international levels, demonstrating significant impact and influence in the academic community;
• Assumes senior leadership roles at departmental, faculty and institutional level;
• Provides visionary leadership in shaping the direction and priorities of the Faculty or Department, driving strategic initiatives that address emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education;
• Leads collaborative efforts to develop and implement Faculty or Departmental strategic plans, engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and decision-making processes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential Criteria:

• PhD (level 10 NFQ) in Applied Mathematics or a relevant discipline;
• A research impact statement (500 words max);
• Evidence of a body of outstanding research outputs demonstrating excellent research leadership as appropriate to the discipline of applied mathematics;
• Evidence of interdisciplinary research;
• Evidence of outstanding teaching experience related to the delivery of effective teaching, learning, and assessment at a third level institution;
• A statement on your teaching philosophy and reflection (500 words max);
• Prior experience of service contribution relevant to the discipline.

Desirable Criteria:

• Evidence of leading the development of new or existing programmes at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels;
• Successful track record in mentoring (groups of) early and mid-career researchers in academia and or industry;
• Evidence of operating successfully across several collaborating higher education and research institutions, with the ability to bring organisations together under a collaborative strategy.