Assistant Professor in Mathematics

Role: Assistant Professor in Mathematics

Directorate:School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Salary:Grade

Contract Type:Full Time (1FTE) Open Ended

Rewards and Benefits:33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Purpose of the Role

The Department of Mathematics seeks to appoint an Assistant Professor in Teaching and Research in any area of mathematics.

The successful candidate will contribute to the Departments standard undergraduate and postgraduate courses. A key part of the role will be supporting our BSc Data Science joint programme with Xidian University in Xian China. Teaching in China is delivered in short blocks providing a distinctive opportunity to gain international teaching experience.

On the research side you will be expected to produce high-quality research secure research funding and supervise PhD and postdoctoral students. While the research area is open the ability to supervise bachelors and masters theses in the broad field of Data Science is essential.

About our Team

The Department of Mathematics is part of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences which also includes the Departments of Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics and of Computer Science. The School is strongly oriented towards high quality undergraduate teaching research and advanced postgraduate programmes. We foster a challenging and developmental environment for our undergraduates and postgraduates who go on to excel in a diverse range of careers.

The Department of Mathematics forms part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences a joint research institute bringing together the mathematical research activities at Heriot-Watt University and at the University of Edinburgh. All our PhD students are part of the Maxwell Institute Graduate School (MIGS) that aims to be an internationally pre-eminent centre for postgraduate training and research in the mathematical sciences and to offer an environment that is able to attract and foster the very best mathematical talent from around the world.

The Department is also a co-founder of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS). TheICMS stimulates and promotes the mathematical sciences through organising and hosting diverse international workshops and conferences. Its vibrant events programme attracts leading mathematical scientists from the UK and internationally - connecting mathematical communities across the world and greatly enhancing the mathematical environment in Edinburgh.

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences has an Athena SWAN Silver Award and is committed to an equality charter(see which includes having a diverse and inclusive workforce and offering equality of opportunity to all. We encourage applications from under-represented groups and we welcome requests for flexible working arrangements and endeavour to accommodate them whenever possible.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will be required to:

• Lead carry out and publish internationally recognised research in their research area.
• Supervise PhD students and actively pursue research funding through the submission of high-quality grant proposals;
• Contribute to the success of the Maxwell Institute through joint activities and grant applications;
• Carry out such administrative and recruitment activities as may be required to achieve these aims;
• Develop and deliver innovative teaching in mathematics at undergraduate and postgraduate level and work successfully in global teaching teams;
• Teach on the Data Science joint programme with Xidian University;
• Be responsible to the Head of Department for performing the activities listed above in a way that will maintain and enhance the Schools reputation for excellence.

ThesuccessfulcandidateswillbebasedatourEdinburghUKcampus.

Education Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for the role the candidate must have a PhD in the mathematical sciences and a strong research track record at international level demonstrated through publications citations external invitations and research funding.

They must also have the relevant experience or potential to be able to successfully engage with our undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics teaching programmes including the supervision of PhD students. The Department has a strong collaborative ethos and the successful candidate will have the aspiration to develop our world-class research activity and the drive and commitment to contribute to and develop our teaching programme.

Essential Criteria

• E1: A PhD in mathematical sciences.
• E2: A track-record of internationally recognised research with excellent publications.
• E3: Demonstrated experience and aptitude for teaching at university level as well as skills required to supervise projects in the area of Data Science.
• E4: Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Desirable Criteria

• D1:Track record of obtaining research funding.
• D2:Track record of successful supervision of PhD students and/or PDRAs.
• D3: Potential to provide leadership in the development and implementation of research strategy and in the planning organisation and development of learning and teaching activities in the Department.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted until midnight (UK time) on Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interested applicants must submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system in a single pdf : (1) a cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) a full CV including at least two names who can act as their potential referees; (3) A summary of their teaching and scholarship/research experience and plans; and (4) a list of publications.

Informal enquiries may be made to: Prof. Lehel Banjai Head of Mathematics

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-WattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.