Apr 29, 2008

Research Fellowship in Mathematics - University of Queensland, Australia

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematics and Statistics of Complex Systems (MASCOS) announces the availability of a Research Fellowship tenable at the University of Queensland within the Discipline of Mathematics. The successful applicant will work closely with Prof. Phil Pollett, Director (Queensland) of MASCOS, on modelling risk in stochastic population networks, and be involved in joint projects with researchers at other nodes of MASCOS.

An appointment will be made at the level of Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Fellow (depending on qualifications and experience). Applicants should hold a PhD in any area of Probability, Statistics or Mathematical Modelling, and have a demonstrated record of research achievement. An appointee at the level of Research Fellow will require a body of published work and a proven capacity for self-directed research.

This is a full-time, three-year fixed-term position. A remuneration package consists of salary $60,391-$64,827 per annum (Level A), $68,239-$81,034 per annum (Level B), plus employer superannuation of 17% of salary. (An employee superannuation contribution of 7% of salary is mandatory. This may be salary sacrificed from pre-tax earnings. Other options for salary sacrifice include parking, personal computers and vehicles.)

Written applications, quoting Reference No. 1312253 and addressing the selection criteria, including a statement of research achievement, a full publication list and the names and contact details of three referees (including fax numbers and e-mail addresses), should be forwarded by email to

Prof. Phil Pollett
ARC Centre of Excellence for
Mathematics and Statistics of Complex Systems
Discipline of Mathematics
The University of Queensland
Queensland 4072
Australia
pkpmaths.uq.edu.au
Closing date for applications: 30th May 2008

Further particulars, including selection criteria and duty statement are given below.

Inquiries should be directed to pkpmaths.uq.edu.au

BACKGROUND

Organisational Environment

The the ARC Center of Excellence for Mathematics and Statistics of Complex Systems (MASCOS) is a joint venture between the Universities of Queensland, Melbourne and New South Wales, the Australian National University and La Trobe University, and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute. MASCOS is part of an elite group of Centres of Excellence funded throughout Australia by the ARC. Further details can be obtained from the Centre's website at http://www.complex.org.au/. Information about the Queensland site is located at http://www.maths.uq.edu.au/MASCOS/.

Information for Prospective Staff

Information about the University, State of Queensland, living in Brisbane and employment at the University is available at the University's website.

For a comprehensive guide to family-friendly work practices and services, visit the Work and Family web site.

The University of Queensland Enterprise agreement (Academic Staff) outlines the position classification standards for LevelsA toE.


DUTY STATEMENT

Primary Purpose of Position

To conduct scientific research under the supervision of the Director (Queensland) of MASCOS.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Research

Conduct research that advances the research programmes of MASCOS
Work with the Director and postgraduate students on joint research on modelling risk in stochastic population networks
Take the lead in writing scholarly papers, and publish these in refereed journals and refereed conference proceedings
Present the results of the research at conferences and seminars
Conduct joint research with researchers at other nodes of MASCOS (the successful candidate shall spend at least four weeks at another AMSI or MASCOS site-travel and accommodation to be provided).
Teaching

Participate in postgraduate supervision
Teach courses in the UQ Mathematics programme relevant to the successful candidate's research area
Assist in teaching short courses for PhD students and for industry and government
Administration

Assist with the organization of conferences, workshops and courses sponsored by the Centre
Assist in the preparation of the Centre's Annual Report
Comply with the University's Code of Conduct
Community Service

Foster the Centre's relations with professional bodies and the wider community.
Occupational Health and Safety

Comply with requirements of Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or School.
Reporting Relationships

The appointee reports to the Director (Queensland) of MASCOS.


SELECTION CRITERIA

Qualifications

Essential

PhD or equivalent qualification in any area of Probability, Statistics or Mathematical Modelling (appointees at the level Postdoctoral Fellow shall have submitted their PhD thesis for examination prior to taking up the position)
Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Demonstrated record of research achievement in Probability, Statistics or Mathematical Modelling
Desirable

Computing skills
Skills in website development
An ability to establish effective relationships, and to represent and promote mathematics within the university sector and the wider community
Experience

Essential

Evidence of publication in relevant high-ranking journals
Appointees at the level of Research Fellow will require a body of published work, and a proven capacity for self-directed research
Desirable

Experience in working within a collaborative research team
Experience in university teaching
Experience in teaching short courses for industry and government
Personal Qualities

Essential

Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
Commitment to fundamental research in Mathematics
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

APPLICATION

Applications must consist of the following:

Covering Letter. The covering letter should include the vacancy reference number, your contact address and telephone number. It is an opportunity in not more than one page to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for the role.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae. A resume is a brief history of your employment and experience that covers the following areas:
Educational qualifications and professional affiliations that detail the full title of the qualification, the year awarded and the title of the institution attended;
Employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying dates of employment, title of each position, name of employer, main duties or accountabilities and achievements; and
The names and contact details (address, telephone, fax and e-mail) of three referees, including if possible a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organisational unit) closely associated with your current work.
Statement Addressing Selection Criteria. A statement addressing how each of the selection criteria have been met is required to assist the Selection Committee determine whether you have the relevant qualifications, knowledge/skills, experience and personal qualities.
An academic curriculum vitae should include research fields and current interests, publications (full list as attachment with three most significant marked with an asterisk), research grants awarded and, if applicable, details of teaching evaluation.

Applications are to be sent to:

Prof. Phil Pollett
ARC Centre of Excellence for
Mathematics and Statistics of Complex Systems
Discipline of Mathematics
The University of Queensland
Queensland 4072
Australia

pkpmaths.uq.edu.au
Closing date for applications: 30th May 2008

Inquiries should be directed to pkpmaths.uq.edu.au


SELECTION PROCESS

A Selection Committee will consider all applications and shortlist candidates for interview who appear to meet the selection criteria at the highest levels. They will be invited to attend an interview and the remaining unsuccessful applicants will be notified accordingly.

An invitation to attend an interview provides an opportunity to provide further information to the Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the selection criteria or demonstrate your capabilities. Please note that for some positions interviews may be conducted by teleconference in the first instance.

The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior to interview, before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the preferred candidate. The purpose of referee checks is to obtain, in confidence, factual information about your past work history, as well as opinions regarding the quality of your work, behaviour in the work place and suitability for the position. Referee reports may be sought orally, or for academic staff, in writing by post or e-mail. Referees should normally include current supervisors or and/or managers. A referee must be able to comment on your work experience, skills and performance with respect to the selection criteria. Referee checks conducted after the interview process can sometimes delay notification of the successful candidate and other interviewees.

If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to the position. Do not take any action, such as resigning from your current position, before you receive a written offer of appointment.

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