We are seeking an outstanding candidate for a Lectureship in broadly interpreted Optimisation for Machine Learning and AI within the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

The School of Mathematical Sciences brings together a unique range of disciplines across Mathematics and Statistics and is committed to tackling the world’s biggest challenges through interdisciplinary research. Academics from Mathematical Sciences are also members of the wider centres of Centre for Operational Research, Management Science and Information Systems (CORMSIS), and Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute (S3RI). In the latest (2023) QS World University Rankings, Statistics and Operational Research at Southampton was ranked 7th in the UK and 39th in the world. We are also founding members of the Southampton Theory, Astrophysics, and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre as well as the Centre for Geometry, Topology, and Applications (CGTA).

There is a significant overlap of research interests in all these activities. The present appointment arises from a significant investment by the University of Southampton to support our ambitions to develop our interest in the interactions between Mathematical Sciences, AI, and Machine Learning.

You will have a track record of excellent international-level research in Operational Research or aligned mathematical discipline with a particular focus on optimisation for machine learning and AI. Your expertise should enhance and complement our existing strengths in Operational Research, particularly where it crosses over to the applied mathematical modelling, pure mathematics, or statistics. You should have a proven track record of generating impact outside academia and obtaining research funding, enhancing the school’s national and international research profile. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to the School’s initiative of expansion in AI and Data Science.

The UoS is part of the Alan Turing Institute for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence and has an ethos of promoting collaborative methodological research across disciplinary boundaries. This is exemplified by Mathematical Sciences, which brings together broad groups of mathematicians who collaborate widely across the University and beyond. Mathematical Sciences has a varied set of external partners, including government agencies and departments, as well as collaborators in finance, digital economy, defence, energy, aerospace, retail, and transport and logistics.

Strong applicants should demonstrate:

– a doctorate and postdoctoral experience in a relevant discipline
– ability to obtain peer-reviewed funding
– evidence of distinction in research through high-quality publications
ability for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching

Potential applicants who wish to discuss this post are welcome to contact Professor Christine Currie (christine.currie@soton.ac.uk), Professor Joerg Fliege (J.Fliege@southampton.ac.uk), or the Head of School, Professor Jacek Brodzki (j.brodzki@soton.ac.uk).

The School of Mathematical Sciences offers a diverse and welcoming workplace at a world-leading University with a strong opportunity for engaging in multidisciplinary projects. We were very proud to have been awarded the Athena Swan Silver award, and we are committed to the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. We strongly encourage applications from women and other groups under-represented in Mathematics. We encourage applications from those who have taken career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability, or illness. The University has a generous maternity policy and onsite childcare facilities and offers a range of benefits designed to help maintain and support employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.