Job description

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Oslo invites applications for a permanent Associate Professorship in Statistics and Data Science with a focus on machine learning.

The position is affiliated to the Section for Statistics and Data Science. We seek a dynamic, innovative researcher and dedicated person who meets the required qualifications for an associate professorship in statistics and Data Science, with a scientific profile towards machine learning. The new appointee is expected to take part in emerging research and education in Data Science at UiO.

The section currently has 9 full-time academic positions, 6 adjunct positions, 2 postdocs and 15 PhD students. Statistics at the University of Oslo is internationally recognized, with interests spanning a broad range of areas within theoretical statistics and machine learning (including high-dimensional and big data, nonparametric inference, algorithmic methods, Bayesian inference, statistical computing, model selection, time-to-event models, space-time models and data integration) and applications (e.g. genomics, sensor data, anomaly and fault detection, text processing) with numerous collaborations with leading research groups nationally and internationally.

The section also has a major role in BigInsight, a consortium of academic, industrial and public partners, funded for eight years starting from 2015. The section is furthermore involved in several other cross disciplinary centers. These involvements are central activities of the research group, and represent abundant opportunities for PhD grants, seminar series, visitor programs, travel funding, and research activities in general.

The section aims at maintaining its role as an outstanding core group for methodological statistics and Data Science, in good contact with various fields of applications. The section has a major role in a new master program in Data Science. This program, which is a collaboration with the Department of Informatics, focuses on methodological aspects of Data Science, bridging statistics and machine learning.

About the position

The Associate Professor is expected to actively take part in the section for Statistics and Data Science as well as in the larger Data Science community at the University of Oslo.

The successful applicant must be able to teach at all levels and to supervise Master and PhD students. 50% of the working time will be devoted to teaching, teaching related activities and administrative duties according to current regulations by the Department and the Faculty.

For more details, please see Rules for Appointments to Professorships and Associate Professorships below.

Qualification requirements

Primary assessment criteria are

• To qualify for an appointment as Associate Professor the applicant must have completed a PhD in statistics (or in an other relevant field).
• Preference will be given to a candidate with a profile on statistical aspects of machine learning. Algorithm and software development will also be valued.
• A scientific track record that confirms the candidate’s capacity to address relevant and challenging issues. The main emphasis will be placed on documented scientific qualifications.
• Main emphasis will be put on the candidate’s scientific production from the last five years.
• A research statement where the candidate puts focus on the scientific novelty of his/her work, approaches and plans, as well as potential synergies and collaborations within the Section for Statistics and Data Science will be positively evaluated. This statement should be part of the application letter (see below). The scientific potential of the candidate, as shown by her/his publications as well as the research plan will be valued.
• Candidates should be able to establish, lead, conduct and collaborate in research projects. A track record in academic and administrative leadership is an advantage, as well as participation in the acquisition of research grants.
• Further, international network, pedagogical qualifications and experience, outreach activities and the ability to create a good working environment will be part of the evaluation criteria.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language is desirable.

We offer

• Salary NOK 576 100 – 658 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Associate professor (position code 1011)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• The opportunity to apply for promotion to full professorship at a later stage

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• A summary of up to 5 selected papers describing their significance and impact. PDF of these publications must be provided.
• CV (complete list of education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, project acquisition and coordination experience, and other qualifying activities)
• Copies of educational certificates and university transcripts
• A complete list of publications
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Interviews will be part of the appointment process, along with a trial lecture.

Formal regulations

The successful candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document basic teaching qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate mastery of both English and one of the Scandinavian languages as working languages. If an appointee is not fluent in a Scandinavian language, the appointee will be expected within a two-year period to learn sufficient Norwegian to be able to participate actively in all functions the position may involve.

Please see the rules for Appointments to Professorships and Associate Professorships and Rules for the assessment and weighting of pedagogical competence.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Section leader Professor Sven Ove Samuelsen, +47 228 55861, osamuels@math.uio.no

For technical questions about the recruitment system, please contact HR-Officer Nina Holtan, +47 228 54424, nina.holtan@mn.uio.no

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