Application link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF00763

Description:
The Department of Statistics at the University of California, Santa Cruz invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in Statistics to begin July 1, 2020 (with academic year beginning September 2020). We seek outstanding applicants whose research complements our existing strengths in Statistics and Data Science. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in statistical methods for high-dimensional data, whose research focuses on analysis of structured models that describe complex patterns in data using sophisticated hierarchical specifications. Candidates should have research expertise on model development (incorporating subject-matter information), predictive approaches, optimal decision-making, and probabilistic quantification of uncertainty. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain externally funded research programs; to teach, mentor, and advise students at the graduate and undergraduate level individually and in the classroom; to contribute significantly to graduate education; and, to perform university and professional service.

The recently formed Department of Statistics is part of the Baskin School of Engineering. The department has been established by the statistics group of the former Applied Mathematics and Statistics department. The group has been present on campus since 2001, and has built a stellar reputation for its dynamism and innovation. Our graduate program has a steady throughput of professionals that perform brilliantly in academia, industry and government, and currently has about 45 students. Research and instruction are supported by excellent facilities in the breathtaking environment of our campus. There are strong opportunities to collaborate with colleagues within the department as well as in the other existing programs in the School of Engineering, including Biomolecular Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. More widely, our campus offers fertile grounds for scientific research in physical, biological and social sciences. Given the proximity of the campus to Silicon Valley, there are multiple opportunities for collaboration with investigators working on cutting edge science and engineering problems in institutions and companies in the area. Examples of these are NASA Ames, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service of NOAA, Google, e-Bay, and The Climate Corporation, among others. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to leverage the positive environment of the Department of Statistics to advance a professional focus on high quality teaching and cutting-edge research.

We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing women and minorities who are underrepresented in higher education careers (as evidenced by life experiences and educational background), and who have experience in equity and diversity with respect to teaching, mentoring, research, life experiences, or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Basic Qualifications:
Ph.D. degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in Statistics or closely related field. Teaching experience (demonstrated by college level teaching experience, TA experience, research presentations and/or professional training seminars). Demonstrated record of research in Statistics. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by June 30, 2020.

Application Instructions:
Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF00763
All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs. Applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, a statement of research plans, a statement of teaching interests and experience, a statement addressing contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion (see guidelines at https://apo.ucsc.edu/diversity.html), and 1-3 selected publications or technical reports (a minimum of 1 is required and a maximum of 3 will be accepted). Applications must also include 3 confidential letters of recommendation. Please note that your references will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

Recruitment Period:
Full consideration will be given to applications completed by December 9, 2019. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.

Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Athanasios Kottas (thanos@soe.ucsc.edu), Search Committee Chair.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Statement:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-3676.