Statistics – Assistant Professor (tenure track)

Simon Fraser University

The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for
a full-time, tenure-track appointment in Statistics at the Assistant Professor rank to commence July 1, 2024
(flexible). Areas of particular interest are those with a modern focus such as, but NOT limited to,
statistical/machine learning (both theory and methods), and statistical inference in high dimensions. We seek
a colleague who brings a collegial, flexible, and communicative approach to contributing to the department,
university, and scientific community. The position is subject to the availability of funding and to final
approval by the University Board of Governors.

Qualifications
A Ph.D. in statistics or a closely related field is required prior to the start date (if necessary, PhD candidates
with solid indication of imminent completion may be hired at the rank of Instructor and will be promoted to
the rank of Assistant Professor upon completion of the PhD). The successful candidate will have an
outstanding research record or potential, and evidence of excellence in teaching; see below for additional
guidance. In addition, candidates who may engage in collaboration with other researchers in the Faculty of
Science and/or work in related research areas are encouraged to apply.

Duties
The primary responsibilities of the position include developing, leading, and maintaining an innovative,
internationally recognized, externally funded research program; teaching a wide range of undergraduate and
graduate courses; and participating in departmental, university, and professional service. Additionally, a
successful candidate will be expected to supervise students in our M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Statistics. The
typical workload distribution for tenure-track assistant professors in our department is 40% research, 40%
teaching, and 20% service.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty
Association. A reasonable estimate for the salary range if the successful candidate will be starting as an
Instructor, based on the July 1, 2021 salary scales, is $109,183 to $114,786. A reasonable estimate of the
salary range for the Assistant Professor rank, based on the July 1, 2021 salary scales, is $114,786 to $140,000.
The expected salary range mentioned does not encompass the value of benefits.

About the Department
SFU, Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive university, is known internationally for innovative education,
cutting-edge research, and community outreach. With three campuses located in beautiful British Columbia’s
largest municipalities – Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey – our students, faculty, and staff are privileged to
live, work, and play on the shared Traditional Coast Salish Lands of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilw̓ ətaʔɬ), Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), and Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷə̓ əm) Nations (in Vancouver and Burnaby respectfully), and the Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm),Qayqayt, Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), numerous Stó:lō Nations, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen (in Surrey).

The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science is comprised of 27 continuing faculty. The department is
recognized internationally for its academic excellence, commitment to pedagogy, and being home to the
Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute. We take pride in fostering a supportive and accommodating
environment for all our members. Situated on the Burnaby campus, we are a short walk from the University
Childcare Centre, athletic facilities, and scenic hiking trails.

How to Apply
Candidates must provide evidence of innovative research. This can be demonstrated, for example, via
publications or forthcoming publications in relevant journals, the submitted research statement, and from
letters of reference. Creating or contributing to open-source statistical software (e.g., creating and/or
maintaining R packages) will also be considered.

We seek a colleague whose teaching interests add to, or complement, our existing departmental strengths.
Candidates should have successful experience in face-to-face or online teaching. This may include having
competently assisted or led the teaching of undergraduate courses, or lab/discussion sections, including as a
Teaching Assistant or similar role. Evidence of a commitment to teaching should be provided through a
teaching statement describing teaching experience and philosophy. The successful candidate will be expected
to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses, and support the Department’s graduate programs by
training the next generation of scientists as part of their research program.

We recognize that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness,
research delays due to COVID-19) can impact research achievements, and we commit to ensuring that leaves
are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how
alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be
given priority. To apply, applicants should provide:

• A cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and addressing the full
  scope of the job requirements. Within this letter, candidates are encouraged to elaborate on their
  experiences related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Additionally, applicants are invited to reflect
  on how these experiences may shape their commitment to fostering a respectful and collegial learning
  and working environment.
• A curriculum vitae (include details of research and teaching).
• A concise research statement articulating current and future research plans (maximum of 2 pages.)
• A teaching statement describing teaching experience and philosophy (maximum of 1 page).
• The names of 3 or 4 references, one of whom can speak to teaching capabilities.
• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

All applications should be submitted through MathJobs.org at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/24127. Any
general inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to Caitlin Chow at stchsec@sfu.ca.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, 
equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to 
“foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, 
faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to 
employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, 
SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, 
persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that 
equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. 
Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for
academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see the Collection Notice.